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Vanilla beans nutrition facts

Pleasantly fragrant rich vanilla beans are the pods or fruits obtained from a tropical climbing orchid. Mayans used them to flavor chocolate drinks centuries before Spanish first set their foot in Mexico in 1520. This highly prized bean is native to tropical rain forest of Central America and only recently spread to other tropical regions by Spanish explorers.

Botanically the plant is a perennial herbaceous climbing vine belonging to the family of orchidaceae of the genus: vanilla. Scientific name: Vanilla planifolia.

Vanilla beans in a vine Vanilla planifolia.  Note for deep green colored mature beans.	Processed vanilla beans. The beans turn dark and appear shriveled.  Photo courtesy: acfou

The vanilla plant has unique growth characteristics.  It requires supporting tree or pole to grow in height. Matured vine bears deep trumpet-shaped flowers. The flowers open only for one day and are naturally pollinated either by the melipona bee or long beaked humming birds. However, in cultivation, they are hand pollinated and now grown commercially in Madagascar, Indonesia, India, Puerto Rica and West Indies. 

There exist 3 main cultivars of vanilla. Vanilla planifolia is the most sought after bean worldwide. The other species include Vanilla pompona and Vanilla tahitiensis (grown in Polynesian islands), although the vanillin content of these species is inferior to Vanilla planifolia. 

The unripe pods are harvested when they are 5-8 inches long and turn light yellow in color. They are then blanched briefly in boiling water, sweated and dried under sun over a period of weeks until they turn dark brown and wrinkled. White crystalline efflorescence which is vanillin, the main essence of vanilla, appears inside in some of superior quality pods.

Health benefits of vanilla

• Vanilla beans are one of the expensive non-pungent spices especially used as flavoring purpose in a wide array of sweet drinks and confectionaries.

• Vanilla extract composed of simple and complex sugars, essential oils, vitamins and minerals.

• The main chemical components in the beans are vanillin and numerous traces of other constituents such as eugenol, caproic acid, phenoles, phenol ether, alcohols, carbonyl compounds, acids, ester, lactones, aliphatic and aromatic carbohydrates and vitispiranes.

• Vanilla drink was thought to have aphrodisiac qualities, however no research studies establishes its role in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

• The extract contains small amounts of B-complex group of vitamins such as niacin, pantothenic acid, thiamin, riboflavin and vitamin B-6. These B-complex groups of vitamins help in enzyme synthesis, nervous system function and regulating body metabolism.

• This spice also contains small traces of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, iron and zinc.  Potassium in an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese and copper are used by the body as co-factors for the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. Iron is essential for red blood cell production and as a co-factor for cytochrome oxidases enzymes.

Selection and storage

Vanilla beans are available in herb and spices stores year around. One may also find vanilla essence and vanilla sugar in these stores.  Vanilla beans are usually available either singly or in small bundles often packed in long glass tube or jar. 

Buy vanilla products from authentic sources as adulteration with artificial flavorings is quite common. A well processed good quality pod will remain potent for as long as 3-4 years.

Alternatively, store whole vanilla bean in a jar of caster sugar and allow 3-4 weeks for the flavor to permeate the sugar completely. This fragrant rich sugar can be used in cakes, puddings, pies and ice-creams.

Culinary uses

Real vanilla is pleasantly aromatic and very expensive spice only after saffron. In general, natural vanilla extract is made by finely chopping the beans and infusing them by dripping alcohol on the pieces. 

Alternatively, the beans are bruised and infused in milk or cream for making ice-cream and sweet puddings. 

 
Here are some serving tips:

• One of the finest flavoring bases, used exclusively in sweet cookery, vanilla is added to cakes, biscuits, desserts and puddings.

• It is also used in confectionary to make chocolates, ice-creams, chocolate drinks etc.

• Vanilla is also used in the preparation of popular liquor Galliano.

Safety profile

Pure vanilla products are safe to use even in pregnancy and have no reported incidences of adverse reactions or toxicity.

(Medical disclaimer: The information and reference guides in this website are intended solely for the general information for the reader. It is not to be used to diagnose health problems or for treatment purposes. It is not a substitute for medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please consult your health care provider for any advice on medications.)

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