Review: Nielsen-Massey Vanillas

Nielsen-Massey Vanillas are the finest in the world.  See what sets them apart and why vanilla extract is so important.

I am addicted to the intoxicating, warm and sensual scent of Vanilla. It captivates me every time I smell it, drawing me closer in. The welcoming, alluring aroma of Vanilla holds so many memories of childhood and romance. I cannot imagine a world without it. Vanilla is literally everywhere. It is a popular and important ingredient in many culinary dishes and widely used in perfumes and cosmetics. Classic, ageless, mysterious, sweet, rich yet delicate and euphoric, vanilla is the most popular spice in the world.

*True Vanilla Vs Artificial*

Vanilla is one of the most expensive crops to grow on the planet today mainly because it is so labor-intensive. The high price of real vanilla, along side the huge demand has created a market for imitation varieties and lower quality products. While pure vanilla extract is made from the vanilla bean, artificial extract comes via lignin, a byproduct of the paper industry. Not quite the real thing, not even close. Real vanilla is derived from Vanilla orchid seed pods, aka the vanilla bean. The flavor of real vanilla is made up of over 250 organic components, compared to only one flavor component in artificial vanilla. Once you have had real vanilla, it is not likely that you will accept any substitutes. Once you try Nielsen-Massey Vanillas you will know what true quality vanilla is all about. Known as the World's Finest Vanillas, I have yet to find a vanilla extract that compares to Nielsen-Massey.

*Nielsen-Massey Vanillas*

Nielsen-Massey Vanillas is a third-generation family company that has been in business almost 100 years, producing some of the finest and best, premium vanilla products that money can buy. I love family owned businesses and Nielsen-Massey Vanillas is no exception. You can really see the pride the family has in there products. Quality is assured from the very beginning of the process, as each vanilla bean is carefully inspected to meet the highest standards possible. Every batch is tested, ensuring the name Nielsen-Massey can always be trusted. Crafting vanilla for over a century, the vanilla extract is made through a proprietary cold extraction process instead of heat extraction to help preserve the more than 300 distinctive flavor compounds present in the beans. All of the products are gluten-free, allergen-free and kosher. They also have a line of organic vanillas.

Pros

  * Family run company that has been in business for nearly 100 years

  * High quality

  * Real vanilla extract

  * Use a cold extraction process

  * Huge selction

  * Gluten-free

  * Allergen-free

  * Kosher

  * Line of organic vanillas also

  * Easy to find, available at many stores

Cons

  * A little more expensive

*Vanilla - Nectar Of The Gods*

Vanilla has a rich and long history, complete with emperors, seduction, passion and piracy. According to Totonac mythology, the vanilla orchid was born when Princess Xanat, forbidden by her father from marrying a mortal, fled to the forest to be with her lover. The lovers were captured and beheaded and their blood spilled unto the earth, causing a vine to grow. That vine is today known as the vanilla orchid vine.

Vanilla is the world's most loved flavor and scent, valued for centuries. It has been around since ancient times. Vanilla is currently the second most expensive spice available today (saffron being the first), because the curing process takes between 6-9 months, and involves several labor-intensive heating and drying episodes. The vanilla orchid blooms only one day a year, and unless the vanilla is coming from Mexico or Central America, it is most likely that the cultivation depends on careful hand-pollination. So one day a year, she blooms and she must be pollinated by hand or she will bear no fruit. Vanilla is a high-maintence kinda gal, but she's worth it. Life would not, could not be the same without her. The word Vanilla has actually come to mean plain or ordinary because it is so relied upon. It is though our culture has become quite dependent on this enchanting orchid. The essence of vanilla is quite humble and my bet is that Princess Xanat was quite humble herself.

*Aphrodisiac?*

Vanilla has so many uses beyond ice cream, cookies and birthday cake. We all know the culinary pleasures of sweet vanilla, but did you know that this sacred, royal orchid is said to have aphrodisiac powers. One reason could be because vanilla increases levels of catecholamines, including adrenaline, a neurotransmitter and fight-or-flight hormone that elevates when we're excited. Another reason it is considered an Aphrodisiac is by the Law of Similars, the vanilla bean is clearly useful for male virility. Vanilla essential oil is among the fragrances commonly considered to hold aphrodisiac powers.

*Other Uses Of Vanilla*

Here are some other great uses for vanilla extract.

• Bug Repellant - Almost everyone loves the scent of vanilla, except the bugs. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to 1 cup of water and apply liberally to the skin.
• Add a few drops of vanilla extract in a can of paint to help eliminate the scent.
• Spray onto your pillow at night to help you sleep.
• Use as a perfume right out of the bottle.
• Make your own nontoxic deodorizing spray by adding a few drops of pure vanilla extract to a few cups of water in a spray bottle.
• Help relieve minor burns by applying vanilla extract.
• The scent of vanilla acts as an appetite suppressor.
• Improve your mood - The sedative properties of Vanilla make it helpful in treating anxiety and depression.
• When feeling blue or anxious take a nice deep breath of vanilla extract.
• When fishing, use on hands so that the fish do not detect you. Caution: You may catch more than fish!
• Wash the refrigerator with vanilla extract. It eliminates odors like magic.

For more information please visit Nielsen-Massey Vanillas.

*References*

  * www.nielsenmassey.com

  * "International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition": A

    Comprehensive Review on Vanilla Flavor: Extraction, Isolation and

    Quantification of Vanillin and Others Constituents

  * RaySahelian.com: Vanillin Health Benefit; Ray Sahelian, M.D.
  * "In Vivo": Vanillin Enhances TRAIL-induced Apoptosis in Cancer Cells
    through Inhibition of NF-kappaB Activation; K. Lirdprapamongkol, et
    al.; July-August 2010
  * "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry": Inhibition of
    Peroxynitrite-mediated Reactions by Vanillin; S.S. Kumar, et al.;
    January 2004
  * U.S. Food and Drug Administration: CFR--Code of Federal Regulations
    Title 21
  * U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Some "Vanilla Extract" Produced
    in Mexico Is No Bargain