What is special about Mexican vanilla?

Our Traditional Mexican vanilla is more typical of a really good vanilla that you buy when you visit Mexico. It has 10\% alcohol and a small amount (less than 1\%) of vanillin (which is a naturally occurring vanillin, not synthetic). The vanillin helps hold the flavor and gives the vanilla a very rich, smooth flavor.

Is Mexican vanilla good for baking?

Excellent for baked goods This large bottle is a mix of both vanilla and vanillin—and we loved the rich vanilla aroma and flavor, especially in cookies.

What is the difference between Mexican vanilla and regular vanilla?

Pure vanilla is made with the extract of beans from the vanilla plant. Mexican vanilla is frequently made with the extract of beans from the tonka tree, an entirely different plant that belongs to the pea family. Tonka bean extract contains coumarin.

Can I use Mexican vanilla instead of vanilla extract?

This ingredient is a potentially toxic substance that has been banned by the Food and Drug Administration. Check labels to find Mexican vanilla that is processed in the United States and is guaranteed pure; this type is safe and can be substituted for regular vanilla.

Why is Mexican vanilla bad?

31 (HealthDay News) — So-called Mexican “vanilla” is often made with a toxic substance called coumarin and shouldn’t be bought by consumers, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned this week. Coumarin is related to warfarin, which is found in some blood thinners. Tonka bean extract contains coumarin.

Is there a difference between Mexican vanilla and regular vanilla?

Pure vanilla is made with the extract of beans from the vanilla plant. Mexican vanilla is frequently made with the extract of beans from the tonka tree, an entirely different plant that belongs to the pea family.

How do you make Mexican vanilla extract?

Directions Using a sharp kitchen knife, cut a lengthwise slit down the middle of each vanilla bean. Cut vanilla beans into 1/2-3/4 inch pieces. Pour vodka into your container. Add vanilla beans to container and shake. Keep vanilla extract in a cool, dark place, with the bottle tightly closed, to prevent evaporation and loss of flavor.

What is a good alternative to vanilla extract?

You can use it as an alternative to vanilla extract. If the recipe calls for a teaspoon of extract, use half a teaspoon of vanilla powder instead. Vanilla beans are also available in paste form. Vanilla extract can be replaced with an equal amount of vanilla paste.

How much does vanilla extract cost at Costco?

Pure vanilla extract can cost anywhere from $2 to $4 per ounce. For example, at Walmart, McCormick’s pure vanilla extract retails for about $5 per one-ounce box. Costco’s Kirkland brand retails for about $12 to $16 per 16-ounces.

Is vanilla from Mexico safe?

Vanilla is perfectly safe in Mexico and it tastes a lot better. Vanilla ice cream in Mexico has some taste to it as opposed to the very bland kind in the US.