Natural vanilla and vanilla sugar. What is the Difference Between Vanilla and Vanilla

27.09.2019

Every good housewife knows that any pastry will only benefit if it is flavored with a delicate vanilla aroma. Warm and appetizing scent will awaken the best feelings and fill the house with calmness and comfort. But only experienced chefs understand how vanilla differs from vanillin and what is preferable to choose on the store shelf - a wrinkled brown pod with a somewhat inhuman cost or a bag of crystal powder at a very affordable price.

Definitions

Vanilla

Vanilla- a very valuable spice obtained from several species of vines of the orchid family. She comes from Mexico (the plant began to be cultivated even by the ancient tribes of the Indians, using its fruits as money). Today vanilla from Madagascar is considered the best; Indonesia and China are also recognized as major suppliers.

Vanillin

Vanillin- the main component of natural vanilla extract in the form of needle-like colorless crystals. But most often (in everyday life) the concept is used to define a synthetic analogue of vanilla, a crystalline powder with a similar taste and aroma.

Comparison

One of the main differences between vanilla and vanillin (if we talk about the goods presented on store shelves) is that the first of these products is of natural origin, and the second is synthetic, artificial. How is vanilla obtained? The fruits of some vines of the orchid family growing in the equatorial belt are harvested by hand. Then the unripe green pods are first placed in hot water for a short time, after 1-2 weeks they are subjected to a fermentation process (i.e. fermentation), and then they are dried in the open air for several months. As a result, the fruits turn black-brown, covered with a light whitish bloom. If you grind them, you can get a free-flowing white substance with small black blotches - the very famous vanilla with a pronounced, memorable, delicate and thick, sweet aroma.

Obviously, the process of obtaining natural vanilla is very long and painstaking. The difficulty lies in the fact that the flowers of this plant, from which the fruits are subsequently formed, are open only one day a year. Moreover, in nature, they are pollinated by only one species of bees or one species of hummingbird birds. Therefore, in some regions, farmers use artificial pollination, otherwise the risk of receiving less harvest is too great. The ovary forms about 9 months, and only on half of the pollinated flowers. Naturally, all of the above nuances lead to a significant increase in the cost of the final product.

This is how vanilla grows

Natural vanilla extract is a tincture of the fruits of this plant in a mixture of water and ethyl alcohol, which has been filtered. It contains about 200 different chemical compounds, including the polyphenol vanillin.

Vanillin is the main component of vanilla extract, which outwardly resembles needle-like colorless crystals. But since the cost of natural vanilla is too high, chemical scientists at the end of the 19th century learned to synthesize vanillin in an artificial way: first from clove oil, and then from waste of the pulp and paper industry. At the moment, the most popular is the method of obtaining this substance from petrochemical raw materials. Vanillin is widely used as a flavoring agent in food production and household chemicals, used in perfumery and pharmaceuticals.

Commonly found on store shelves, vanilla sugar is usually powdered sugar mixed with synthetic vanilla. In a more expensive version of this product, manufacturers add natural vanilla... By the way, vanilla sugar easy to cook yourself at home. To do this, put the icing sugar and a vanilla pod (in culinary recipes the name "vanilla stick" is often used) in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. After a while, the sugar will take on a bright vanilla aroma. This product is perfect for decorating pastries, making desserts.

Another difference between vanilla and vanillin is that the natural product, according to scientists, brings tangible health benefits. Vanillin, a polyphenol in vanilla, is an antioxidant that helps fight aging. The natural aroma of vanilla stimulates the body's production of serotonin, the hormone of happiness, has a calming effect, and stimulates appetite. In aromatherapy, the scent of vanilla is often used to treat depression and nervous disorders, and even to alleviate the symptoms of claustrophobia. But synthetic vanillin (albeit in very small doses) contains hazardous substances, because it is a product of artificial origin. However, scientists assure that in such insignificant quantities, the carcinogens and oil products in it, with moderate use, will not bring harm.

Vanilla bags can be found in almost any supermarket. Vanilla sticks are an elite product, and it is not found everywhere.

To clearly demonstrate what is the difference between vanilla and vanilla, a comparative table will help us.

Today you can find many spices for baking on the shelves of the supermarket, but vanilla has remained the most popular of them for so many years. It can be found in different forms of release: essence, stick, extract. When looking at a variety of spices, people often wonder: what is vanilla sugar? From the name it is intuitively clear that this is a sweet substance with a vanilla aroma, but how it is produced and whether it is possible to prepare a spice at home remains a mystery to many.

What is vanilla

The vanilla plant belongs to the orchid family. She has yellow-green flowers in the shape of an orchid, and a curled stem like a liana. The pods (fruits of perennial lianas) are used for food, which are plucked unripe and dried in a special way. The homeland of vanilla is considered to be Mexico and Central America, but today plants are cultivated all over the world in the tropical climatic zone from South America to Tahiti. The largest producers and exporters of spices today are Indonesia, Madagascar, China.

This spice is one of the most expensive in the world. What is sold in stores for pennies is a synthetic substitute with a vanilla flavor. Fresh pods do not smell, in order to get a characteristic smell, the fruits are processed hot water or steam, after which a white bloom in the form of small crystals is released on the pods. This is how vanillin is formed, its content in one pod does not exceed 3%. Due to the fact that each flower is manually pollinated and the amount of aroma is minimal, the spice acquires a high value and price.

As a rule, the spice and its derivatives are widely used for the preparation of bakery and confectionery, in the food, perfumery industry, the manufacture of a number of medical products. Vanilla has unique aroma that goes well with other spices. In addition to cooking, this smell is often used for aromatherapy, it has an amazing effect on a person's well-being.

Useful properties of the spice

Vanilla is famous not only for its aroma, but also for its rich list of properties that have a beneficial effect on health, as the ancient Aztecs knew about it. Today, scientists have proven that a small treat with vanilla, eaten after waking up, that is, for breakfast, is the prevention of arthritis. Also, among the useful properties of spices, the following are distinguished:

eliminates insomnia, improves sleep quality;
lowers blood pressure;
essential vanilla oil is a powerful aphrodisiac, it is used to treat frigidity, impotence;
the aroma stimulates muscle and brain activity;
helps to fight viral diseases, brings down the temperature;
helps to get out of depression, fights neuroses;
reduces irritability, improves mood;
relieves pain during PMS in women;
discourages cravings for sweets, promotes weight loss.

Vanillin flavor - what is it

A substance called vanillin is an artificial substitute for vanilla. It is a needle-shaped crystal with a characteristic odor. It was invented at the end of the 19th century, because the natural spice was distinguished by a high price. Vanillin has a slightly bitter aftertaste, which is felt with increasing concentration. So that bitterness does not appear in ready-made dishes, proportions must be observed. The only thing that connects these two additives is a characteristic aroma, so there is no need to talk about the benefits of vanillin, as well as about the harm.

What is vanillin made of

Natural vanillin is found in minimal amounts in the fruits of the plant. It is obtained in laboratory conditions using alcohol or ether. A flavor identical to the natural one is formed artificially. In the laboratory, raw materials are flavored with the help of sublimation and natural extract. Often wood or paper is used to make vanillin.

Production technology

IN different regions The technological processes for obtaining natural vanillin may vary, but in general terms, vanilla goes through the following stages:

The plants are also plucked green fruits, after harvesting they can withstand up to several months of maturation.
The seeds are blanched with hot water to suppress various processes in the vanilla tissue.
After that, for 1-2 weeks, the seeds are heated and steamed: in the daytime they dry in the sun, and at night they are wrapped in a cloth and put in sealed containers.
During the fermentation of the seeds, they should acquire a dark brown color.
After they are dried and kept for several months, after drying, the aroma becomes more saturated.

There are accelerated methods for extracting vanillin, but they have not been widely implemented in mass production... In order to speed up the process of creating a flavoring agent, the seeds are crushed, frozen, heated with steam or other methods, and treated with special chemicals. Since the end of the 19th century, vanillin has been synthesized artificially, since a natural flavoring does not cover the entire world need.

Types of vanillin

Vanillin flavor has several varieties, they are due to the state of aggregation of the substance:

Crystal. Resistant to the destructive effects of high heat treatment, at the same time, does not lose its properties. The substance has a classic vanilla smell, which persists even in ready dish... Used for baking, gluten-free desserts, ice cream. Dissolves in water at + 75 ° C and above, in alcohol at + 20 ° C.
Liquid. It is crystalline vanillin dissolved in ethyl alcohol... It is used for the preparation of dairy products, drinks, including alcoholic ones, some types of pastries.
Powdery. It has a very fine grinding, its structure resembles powdered sugar. Due to this, this type is used for the manufacture of chocolate. Compared to the crystalline form, powdered vanillin dissolves better in water, it is more technological, has a bright vanilla aroma.

What is the difference between vanillin and vanilla sugar

In cooking, vanilla sugar is regular granulated sugar or powdered sugar that is mixed with vanilla pods. After some time, the sugar is saturated with aroma and acquires a characteristic vanilla smell. Vanilla, in turn, is obtained in a more complex way, it has a concentrated taste and aroma. If you compare the two additives, vanilla sugar is inferior in flavor intensity.

Chemical composition

Vanilla sugar contains many vitamins, micro- and macroelements. Despite the high energy value 398 kcal per 100 grams, a small amount of product is needed to give a characteristic aroma, which will not affect the figure in any way. The list and amount of nutrients contained in vanilla sugar in terms of 100 grams of the product:

Basic nutrients:

Proteins - 0 g;
Fat - 0 g;
Carbohydrates - 99.5 g;
Dietary fiber - 0 g;
Water - 0 g.

Trace elements:

Iron - 0.298 mg;
Manganese - 0.272 mg;
Zinc - 0.013 mg;
Copper - 8.5 mcg.

Macronutrients:

Potassium - 20.32 mg;
Calcium - 4.13 mg;
Sodium - 2.01 mg;
Magnesium - 1.42 mg;
Phosphorus - 0.7 mg

Vitamins and amino acids:

Vitamin PP (Niacin equivalent) - 0.0502 mg;
Riboflavin - 0.011 mg;
Thiamine - 0.001 mg;
Pyridoxine - 0.003 mg;
Pantothenic Acid - 0.004 mg

Can you replace vanilla sugar with vanilla

It is impossible to completely replace flavored granulated sugar with vanilla, due to the fact that they have a different structure and taste. Ethyl vanillin (another name for vanillin) has a bitter taste, the more it is, the more clearly this bitterness is. Flavored granulated sugar, in turn, has a sweet taste and a fragrant natural smell. If you have natural vanillin or vanilla pod, it's best to make a flavored sweetener yourself.

Consequences of abuse and contraindications

Despite all the benefits of vanilla aroma, you should not overuse vanilla sugar in your diet. This can lead to the formation of dental caries in adults and children, diabetes mellitus different types, negatively affect the figure, the quality of the skin, etc. In addition, the additive can cause an allergic reaction of varying degrees of complexity and disruption of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT).

The use of vanilla-flavored sugar is strictly contraindicated in people in the following cases:

with individual intolerance, allergy to the product;
under the age of three years, there may be a slight allergic reaction;
with exacerbations of gastrointestinal diseases, it can provoke a deterioration in the condition.

It is worth noting that the harm from the use of this supplement is extremely rare. Often, a person is physically unable to eat enough sugar to harm their health. But this applies to quality natural vanilla sugar. There are many fakes on the market for these products, for the creation of which a cheap synthetic substitute for vanilla is used, containing aldehyde compounds that are harmful to health. With prolonged contact with these substances, mucous membranes are irritated, advanced cases can lead to tissue necrosis.

How to make vanilla sugar at home

Many people doubt the naturalness of the store-bought supplement, and ask themselves the question: what can replace vanilla sugar? You can not replace it, but cook it yourself at home. You don't need a few ingredients for this, only granulated sugar and a natural vanilla pod. The process of saturating the sugar with the aroma of the vanilla seeds extracted from the pod may take some time.

Recipe

To make a flavored sweetener at home, follow these instructions:

Cut one vanilla pod in half lengthwise.
With the edge of a knife, run through half of the pod and remove the seeds, send them to the mortar.
Repeat this process for the other half of the pod.
Grind the seeds in a mortar to a powdery state.
Mix the powder with 1 kg of granulated sugar and a little icing sugar.
Transfer the mixture to a food container, put the spent halves of the pod, close the lid tightly.
Send the container to a dark place.
After 4 days, the flavored food supplement is ready.

There is an easier way to prepare a flavored sweetener. At home, you can make vanilla sugar from vanillin. You need to prepare the mixture based on the following proportions. One bag of vanillin weighing 1.5 grams must be mixed with 40 grams of regular granulated sugar. The finished mixture must be infused for several days so that it is saturated with aroma.

Storage features

The characteristic aroma of the spice gradually wears off, so it is important to observe special storage conditions to avoid this. This type of sugar is best stored in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid in a dry, dark place. If you rarely use this fragrance, then do not stockpile it in large quantities, otherwise the fragrance will fizzle out over time.

Cooking applications

If the question is still relevant to you: what is vanilla sugar and where to use it, below is a list of dishes using this aromatic additive:

rolls;
cupcakes;
rolls;
pies;
puddings;
cakes;
cream;
cocktails;
candies;
chocolate;
dairy dishes.

In baking

Vanilla sugar is often added directly to the dough, no matter what, yeast or shortbread, it dissolves without leaving grains, while saturating the batch with a unique aroma. This type of sweetener is also added to various sweet fillings; it goes well with many fruits and berries. Crystals can be used as baking sprinkles.

For the preparation of pastry creams

Conventional sugar in pastry cream recipes can be replaced with vanilla sugar. It will be more expensive to buy that much sweet supplement, but the result will justify the cost. With the addition of a flavored sweetener, you can prepare such popular pastry creams as custard, butter, semolina, with condensed milk and butter, with the addition of mascarpone cheese and many others.

In drinks and cocktails

Some alcoholic beverages, such as cognac, liqueur, also contain sugar, which is interchangeable with flavored ones. Such an additive will complement the bouquet of aromas. It is often put in alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails for the same purpose. You can also decorate cocktail glasses with crystals of this aromatic additive. You can make a syrup based on vanilla sugar and use it in multi-layered cocktails.

What to cook with vanilla sugar

As soon as the theoretical component of what fragrant vanilla sugar is cleared up, you can begin to practice. With vanilla sweetener, you can make custard for cakes and pastries, cheese cakes, which will be an excellent breakfast and yeast buns for the delight of all friends and relatives. If you do not have the skill of preparing such dishes, then clearly adhere to step by step instructions.

Time: 15 minutes.
Servings Per Container: 4 Persons.
Calorie content of the dish: 186 kcal / 100 grams.
Purpose: for dessert.
Cuisine: French.
Difficulty: medium.

One of many custard variations. For splendor, you can add a little butter to the composition; this ingredient is not used for this recipe. The cream is easy to make at home and has a pleasant aroma thanks to the vanilla sweetener. This cream can be used to interlayer cakes of cakes, for example, napoleon, or used as an eclair filling.

Ingredients:

milk - 400 ml;
granulated sugar - 200 g;
flour - 60 g;
eggs - 2 pcs.;
vanilla sugar - 1 sachet.

Cooking method:

Beat the eggs with a whisk, gradually add all the flour and pour in a glass of milk, mix everything until smooth.
In the second glass, dissolve ordinary granulated sugar and vanilla, send to the stove, heat over low heat.
Prepare in advance water bath.
When the liquid boils, remove it from the heat and begin to introduce the prepared mixture of flour, eggs and milk in a thin stream.
Do not stop stirring vigorously, make sure that the eggs do not curl.
Place the almost finished custard in a water bath and keep on fire, stirring regularly, until the mixture thickens.
If you could not avoid lumps, then you can fix the situation with a mixer or hand blender.

Syrniki

Time: 25 minutes.
Servings Per Container: 4 Persons.
Calorie content of the dish: 230 kcal / 100 grams.
Cuisine: Russian.
Difficulty: medium.

Fragrant cheesecakes will be a great start to the day. You can add sweets to the dish using raisins and various sauces, for example, homemade jam or condensed milk. To reduce the calorie content of this recipe, use a dry nonstick skillet or reduce the amount. These cheesecakes will go well with morning coffee and other drinks.

Ingredients:

cottage cheese 5% - 400 g;
vegetable oil - 100 ml;
flour - 100 g;
granulated sugar - 50 g;
eggs - 2 pcs.;
vanilla sugar - 1 sachet.

Cooking method:

First you need to grind cottage cheese with vanilla and plain sugar.
Then add eggs, gradually add flour, knead well.
Adjust the amount of flour, if necessary, the dough should not stick to your hands.
Form small cakes from the dough, roll in flour.
Heat refined oil in a frying pan, put the cheese cakes.
Fry until golden brown over medium heat on both sides.
Spread the cooked pancakes on a paper towel to get rid of excess fat.
Serve warm or chilled.

Yeast buns

Time: 2 hours 30 minutes.
Servings Per Container: 12 Persons.
Calorie content of the dish: 313 kcal / 100 grams.
Purpose: for breakfast, dessert.
Cuisine: Russian.
Difficulty: difficult.

Lush vanilla buns will become a real delicacy in the ordinary and festive table... They turn out to be ruddy, attractive in appearance. The dough according to this recipe is fluffy, while very elastic, it allows you to form buns of different shapes. Brown sugar is used as a sprinkle, it can be replaced with vanilla sugar or garnished coconut flakes, sesame seeds.

Ingredients:

flour - 600 g;
milk - 300 ml;
butter - 100 g;
granulated sugar - 70 g;
brown sugar - 50 g;
dry yeast - 1 sachet (12 g);
vegetable oil - 5 ml;
egg yolks - 4 pcs.;
vanilla sugar - 2 sachets;
salt - 2 g.

Cooking method:

Mix three egg yolks with flavored and regular granulated sugar, add salt, and grind until white.
Mix everything with softened butter, pour in 250 ml of milk and stir again.
Combine yeast with flour, gradually add flour and knead the dough.
Adjust the amount of flour, if necessary, knead the dough until smooth, it should be elastic and not stick to your hands or dishes.
Cover the dough container cling film or with a clean towel and put in a warm place for 1 hour.
After this time, the dough has risen, it needs to be kneaded and put back in a warm place for half an hour, its volume should increase at least threefold.
When the dough comes up a second time, shape the buns into any shape: regular balls or curls.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, brush vegetable oil.
Spread the buns all over the baking sheet.
Prepare the mixture for brushing: Combine the remaining yolk with the milk and brush on top with a cooking brush.
Sprinkle on the buns brown sugar and leave to stand in a warm place for 20 minutes.
During this time, preheat the oven to 200 ° C.
When the buns have dispersed, send them to bake for 25 minutes, they should be well browned.
Do not leave the buns in the oven; take them out to rise at room temperature.

Video

Vanillin is a spice with a pleasant, sweet aroma that is extracted from the fruit of vanilla. It is a colorless powder consisting of small crystals. Vanillin is used for the production of baked goods and confectionery, as well as for the creation of perfume compositions.

Natural vanillin is extracted from vanilla pods

Appearance

Vanillin is extracted from a plant called flat-leaved vanilla. This flower belongs to the orchid family. Vanilla is an evergreen, climbing plant. As it grows, it wraps around tree trunks. Its leaves are large, ovate, pointed at the end. Inflorescences of a very unusual shape - they vaguely resemble a spread out hand. The flowers are about 6 cm in size, usually yellow or green. The seeds ripen in long pods, from which the spice is subsequently extracted.

Vanilla pods are harvested still green and then they go through a difficult technological process drying

Only manual labor is used in the production process for drying vanilla and extracting natural vanillin.

Crystals of natural vanillin are formed on the pods during the drying process in very small quantities

Where grows

Vanilla is native to the West Indies, a group of islands located in the Caribbean. In the early 19th century, this plant was discovered by the Englishman Henry Charles Andrews, and over the next 200 years, vanilla spread to greenhouses around the world. Currently, the largest amount of flat-leaved vanilla is grown in the southern states of the United States, Central America and northern South America, as there is the most suitable climate for this flower.

Vanilla plantations are mainly located in Madagascar and Reunion

Method for making spices

Vanillin is extracted from vanilla seeds, which ripen in the pods. First, the seeds are treated with boiling water, then a long process begins, during which the seeds are alternately heated in the sun and steamed in plastic containers. This process takes about two weeks, after which the seeds darken and turn dark brown. Then, the seeds are dried and just kept for several months to intensify the smell.

For the production of vanillin, the following types of vanilla are cultivated today:

Fragrant vanilla. It grows in Mexico, Indonesia, the Caribbean and Madagascar. Differs in large inflorescences. Has a rich, "warm" aroma.
Vanilla Antilles. It grows in the countries of Central America, at an altitude of 0.5 km above sea level. Most commonly used as an extract.
Tahitian vanilla. The place of cultivation of this plant, which is the result of crossing the two species described above, is French Polynesia. This species is grown not only for obtaining vanillin, but also for decorative purposes.

This is how natural vanillin is produced, but most of the spice sold in stores is artificial vanillin. It is made from different raw materials by means of synthesis.

Madagascar Vanilla or Vanilla Bourbon - Highest Quality

Tahitian vanilla is inferior in taste and organoleptic properties

Synthetic vanillin production

Most of the spice sold in stores is artificial vanillin. It is made from different raw materials through synthesis. The possibility of synthesizing vanillin was discovered at the end of the 19th century in Germany by Wilhelm Haarmann and Ferdinand Timann. The production of synthetic vanillin was the first step towards creating artificial flavors. Currently, artificial vanillin can be made from a wide variety of substances, including eugenol, lignin, and petrochemical feedstocks.

Synthetic Vanillin - Artificial Flavor

Natural identical flavor

Vanillin, obtained by synthesis, belongs to the group of flavors that are identical to natural ones. This means that it has the same chemical structure as natural vanillin and can be used as a food product. A flavor that is identical to natural, as opposed to an artificial flavor, is found in materials of animal and plant origin.

Odor difference between synthetic and natural vanilla

The difference in aroma between synthesized vanilla and natural vanilla is actually very significant. According to research, there are four hundred different components in the smell of vanilla, and vanillin is just one of them. Therefore, the aroma of real vanilla is much richer and more versatile than the smell of an artificial substitute.

The aroma of natural vanilla is much softer and more versatile than that of a synthetic counterpart

Characteristics

white or colorless powder;
sweet aroma;
bitter taste.

Nutritional value and calorie content

The nutritional value and calorie content per 100 grams of product

Chemical composition

Natural vanillin contains:

essential oil;
gluco vanillin;
tannin;
cinnamon ether.

Where and how to choose

In specialized stores selling professional bakery and confectionery products, vanilla can be purchased in the most different types: in pods, in powder, as well as in the form of an extract or essence. Synthesized vanillin is sold at any grocery store.

A quality product should have a strong, rich aroma. If you are purchasing vanilla in pods, make sure they are long, soft and flexible.

Vanilla pods should be oily and bend well

Natural vanillin is very expensive and is produced in scanty quantities, so it is almost impossible to find it on the shelves.

You will find synthesized vanillin in any store or in the markets

Beneficial features

calms and relaxes;
is a good antidepressant;
has antioxidant and anticarcinogenic effects;
considered a natural aphrodisiac;
normalizes metabolism;
helps relieve allergy symptoms;
has an anti-inflammatory effect;
is an antimicrobial agent.

Harm

can cause a severe allergic reaction, manifested in irritation of the skin and mucous membranes.

Oil

Vanilla essential oil has a strong, spicy-sweet aroma that lasts for many years. It has found application in medicine, cosmetology and aromatherapy. Vanilla oil is found in many cosmetics and perfumery products. It is not only an excellent flavoring agent, but also has a soothing and rejuvenating effect. Beneficial features this oil can be used to fight various diseases. Vanilla essential oil can be used internally, in the form of inhalations or aroma lamps, as well as added to a bath or massage mixture.

Vanilla essential oil awakens sensibility and boosts mood

Application

In cooking

vanillin is added to baked goods to give it a special flavor;
vanillin is an essential component of many recipes for sweet creams and sauces;
housewives often add vanillin to berry and fruit jams;
most confectionery products, including chocolate, caramel, soufflé, etc., contain vanillin;
sometimes vanillin is used to flavor alcoholic beverages, for example, liqueurs and some varieties of vodka;
vanillin is added to dairy and curd products to make them more flavorful.

Adding vanillin to any milk shake will make the taste of the drink rich and refined

Without vanillin, you will not get the traditional Curd Easter

Take 4 eggs and separate the whites from the yolks. Whisk the whites slowly, gradually stirring in a glass of sugar and a pinch of vanillin. After that, without stopping whisking, pour the yolks into the resulting mass. Then, kneading the dough from bottom to top, add a glass of sifted flour. Then set the oven temperature to 200 degrees and let it warm up. While the oven is heating up, prepare the baking dish. The bottom can be greased with oil or covered with parchment paper. The cake should be baked for 20-25 minutes.

Curd vanilla cream

Whisk into a homogeneous mass 2/3 of a standard package of butter, 170 grams of cottage cheese and 1 tsp. vanillin. Beat at low speed. Then add a glass of powdered sugar and whisk the mixture again, this time gradually increasing the speed to maximum. The cream is ready!

In medicine

Natural vanillin can be used as an aid to combat the following diseases:

rheumatic pains;
digestive disorders;
fever;
mental disorders;
depression;
sleep disorders;
diseases of the nervous system;
inflammation of the skin;
feeling unwell on critical days;
menstrual irregularities;
intestinal colic.

When losing weight

Many modern weight loss systems include vanilla, not as a food supplement, but as a powerful antidepressant. Breathing in the sweet scent of vanilla helps fight bad moods, relieves anxiety and soothes the nerves. In addition, when this smell is inhaled, a person produces hormones that block the feeling of hunger.

Vanillin is always added to protein shakes for weight loss.

At home

If you dissolve a bag of vanillin in water and sprinkle your clothes and skin with this solution, you can safely relax in nature without fear of an invasion of midges, since the sweet smell repels these insects.

Take packets of vanillin on a hike - a water solution of vanillin will save you from midges

Natural vanillin is considered one of the most expensive spices in the world.
Some Native American tribes used vanilla pods in place of money.

Vanilla sugar, a favorite flavor of many housewives, is a mixture of vanillin and powdered sugar. It is very easy to use and gives delicious aroma and taste to food. It is ideal for baking as it does not lose its qualities when exposed to high temperatures.

It is also widely used in the preparation of creams, cocktails, cereals, casseroles, sweet sauces and yoghurts. Eating foods containing vanilla sugar is extremely beneficial as it is a powerful antidepressant. If this is done in moderation, then the mood will rise, and the figure will not suffer. In addition, this aroma can relieve anxiety, save from insomnia and normalize digestion.

Vanilla sugar, which is widely used in cooking, can be easily made at home. To do this, you need to take a natural vanilla pod and 1 kg of granulated sugar. The main thing is that the pod is soft and oily. All the seeds should be removed from it, grind in a mortar. Grind sugar in a coffee grinder and mix with seeds. Store the resulting product under closed lid... You may find it interesting to read.

Vanilla sugar can add extraordinary aroma and delicious rich taste to any sweet dish. Here are some recipes for you. delicious dishes with vanilla sugar, which will certainly delight you and your family.

vanilla ice cream

Components:

milk - 550 ml
sugar - 50 g
yolks - 3 pcs.

Heat the whipped yolks with granulated sugar in a water bath until thickened. Mix half of the milk with vanilla sugar, add to the egg mixture. After 10 minutes, remove the mass from the heat and add the rest of the milk, mix well. We pour the chilled milk mass into molds, put it in the freezer and after a few hours we get delicious.

Vanilla sauce

Ingredients:

cream - 200 ml
vanilla sugar - 1 tsp
yolk - 1 pc.
butter - 1 tsp
corn starch - 1 tsp

Heat the cream with vanilla sugar, add sugar with whipped yolks to the mixture. Then we add starch and butter, mix and cool.

Vanilla nut cookies

Ingredients:

We mix sifted flour, chopped hazelnuts, sugar, vanilla sugar. After mixing the mass, add eggs here, knead soft dough... We roll it out, cut out the figures with molds, put it neatly on a greased baking sheet, put it in the oven. After 20 minutes, take out the cookies and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Fruit and vanilla dessert

What you need:

apples - 3 pcs.
almonds - 2 tbsp spoons
banana - 1 pc.
cherry - 1 tbsp. a spoon
vanilla sugar - 1 table. a spoon
brown sugar - 100 g
lemon - 0.5 pcs.

Fry chopped almonds, remove seeds from cherries. Boil peeled apples with the core in water with lemon juice... Add sugar to the same water, cook until syrup is obtained. We make mashed potatoes from bananas, mix with nuts and vanilla sugar. Put the resulting mass in apples, pour them with syrup, put in the oven for 10-20 minutes. Decorate the finished apples banana cream and cherries.

Strawberry Vanilla Milkshake

Ingredients:

strawberries - 200 g
milk - 200 ml
vanilla ice cream - 100 g
vanilla sugar - 1 tbsp a spoon
cocoa - 0.5 tsp

Whisk milk, ice cream, vanilla sugar and strawberries in a blender. The cocktail is ready when you get a thick foamy mixture. Pour into glasses, sprinkle with cocoa, serve with straws. You can garnish with a whole strawberry.

Vanillin is a crystal-like powder that has a specific taste and aroma. We can say that this is a cheaper version of natural vanilla, which was invented for the purpose of its large-scale use in the manufacture of confectionery, alcoholic beverages and perfumery. Vanillin dissolves well in liquid. When using vanillin, the main thing is not to overdo it, since the taste of the final product will be bitter, on average, no more than 7 g should be taken per 1 kg of dough.

Vanillin is found not only in the vanilla plant, but also in cane sugar, potato skins, etc. The homeland of the substance is considered to be Mexico City, on the territory of which a large number of orchids grow, from which vanillin is obtained. Today, the plant is common in areas with a tropical climate. There are several forms of artificial vanillin (see photo):

Crystalline variant. It has a characteristic aroma and stands out for its high temperature resistance. Used in baked goods, ice cream, etc.
Powdered option. It is a combination of vanillin and additives. Used in the manufacture of chocolate. Easily soluble in water.

The difference between vanillin and vanilla and vanilla sugar

Many hostesses are interested in what is the difference between vanilla, vanilla and vanilla sugar? In fact, all of these additives have one thing in common: smell. In all other respects, they are radically different. We need to start with the fact that vanilla is natural among them. It is a short or long brown pod with a rich aroma and flavor. The cost of real vanilla is quite high, so over time, cheaper substitutes for this ingredient have appeared - vanilla sugar and vanillin.

Vanillin is small brown crystals that have almost the same rich aroma and flavor of vanilla. This ingredient is commonly used in baked goods and is unsweetened by itself. Vanilla sugar, on the other hand, has a sweetness, but the smell of vanilla is less pronounced. This ingredient is made from vanillin and sugar.

The difference between vanilla, vanilla and vanilla sugar lies in the consistency, appearance of the ingredient, and the concentration of the flavor particles. If you are wondering: "Which is better: vanillin or vanilla sugar?", Then feel free to opt for vanilla. He is more natural product and has a strong aroma, and can also benefit the body. You can read more about the benefits of vanillin in the next section.

Beneficial features

The benefit of vanillin lies in its effect as a sedative. The aroma of the spice helps to relieve stress and relax. Vanillin has a positive effect on the action of the nervous system, which in turn helps to cope with insomnia and headaches.

Contrary to the common misconception, during pregnancy and breastfeeding the use of spices is not prohibited. The beneficial properties of vanilla and vanillin can improve your mood and relieve depression. The scent of this spice also helps to relieve irritation and calm the nervous system, which is very important for the health of pregnant women.

Natural vanilla for diabetes is not prohibited. It can be added to desserts and drinks in small quantities, but you need to be careful with vanilla and vanilla sugar. If you add this spice to your meals, check with your doctor first.

When losing weight, it is beneficial for the body to inhale vanilla or vanillin vapors, as well as add one of these ingredients to food and drinks. However, do not overdo it with the amount of added spices, since they need to be consumed in moderation to lose weight.

Cooking use

Vanilla is widely used in cooking to diversify and improve the taste of many dishes, but primarily baked goods and desserts. In addition, it is put into curd and dairy products. Vanillin is added to syrups, creams, sweet sauces and various drinks.

In cooking, it is best to use not powder, but crystalline vanillin, since it does not lose its properties during heat treatment. Such a product is suitable for adding to dough or desserts, but not every hostess knows when it is best to add an ingredient. In our article, we will tell you about this.

Before adding vanillin to a dish or baking dough, it is recommended to dissolve the spice in water so that the product mixes better with the other ingredients. But at the same time, you should know that in cold water vanillin almost does not dissolve, and in excessively hot it loses its gastronomic properties. That is why it is advisable to dilute it with warm, but not hot, water. Also, many culinary experts recommend pouring vanillin with alcohol or vodka. The spice is dissolved in alcohol and then mixed with warm sugar syrup, after which it is added to the dough or dish.

If the recipe does not provide for the addition of alcohol-containing substances, then vanillin should be mixed with dry ingredients. For one kilogram of dough, usually from one to ten grams of spice is used, depending on the required intensity of taste and aroma.

You should also clarify the fact that vanillin must be of high quality if you want its taste and aroma to be more pronounced in baked goods or other dishes.

What to replace and in what proportions?

Sometimes it is necessary to replace vanillin in some dishes for various reasons. It is better to use natural vanilla in small proportions as a substitute if you like this particular smell and taste. But natural vanilla sticks are quite problematic to find, and their cost is high, so most hostesses add other ingredients to baking. Here are some examples of foods that can be substituted for vanillin:

cinnamon;
anise;
ginger;
Carnation;
ground cocoa;
lemon peel;
vanilla powder;
vanilla sugar;
vanilla extract;
food grade vanilla flavor.

When using these products, you should be aware that some of them have specific application conditions. For example, vanilla extract is used only for cooking dishes that will not be cooked. Often these are various desserts or fillings for cakes or pastries, as well as chilled drinks. Vanilla sugar has a low concentration of flavors, so you will have to add a lot of it, based on the proportion: two small spoons of the product are equal to a pinch of vanillin.

Rub the lemon zest on a fine grater before adding it to the dishes. As for edible vanilla extract, in addition to the smell and taste of vanilla, the product allows you to give baked goods or dessert a nutty, caramel or other flavor, depending on the type of flavor you choose.

How to make natural vanillin at home?

At home, you can make natural vanillin yourself, the process is easy and does not take much effort. To do this, you need to take granulated sugar and a vanilla pod. The pod must be divided into 2 halves and with a knife, clean the seeds, which are the most valuable and aromatic part of the product. Now it is worth carefully combining and mixing the sugar and the resulting seeds. The peeled pod should also be put in sugar. Everything needs to be transferred to a jar with a tight-fitting lid and left for a couple of days.

Unusual uses

Today vanillin is used not only in cooking. There are many unusual ways the use of this ingredient, among which can be distinguished and traditional medicine, and cosmetology, and even fishing. In our article you will find many non-standard solutions and learn how you can use vanillin in everyday life and outdoors.

Folk remedies for insects

Vanillin is excellent folk remedy from insects, which will help get rid of midges, mosquitoes, bedbugs, ticks, ants and other pests. This spice is added to ointments or creams that help relieve itching and swelling after mosquito bites. We propose to carefully study and take note of our recommendations, which will be useful to you more than once in everyday life.

Vanillin solution will help get rid of mosquitoes and midges if prepared correctly... To do this, you need to dilute one bag of spices in a liter of water, pour the resulting liquid into a spray bottle and spray around the apartment. You can also spray some of the mixture on your body before going to the forest or to the river, where mosquitoes and midges are most common. If you need more liquid, then increase the proportions. By making this insect repellent, you can get rid of annoying buzzing, as well as itchy bites.
If you go outdoors, an effective mosquito ointment with vanillin will come in handy. You can cook it with your own hands as follows. Take any available baby cream, prepare vanillin, as well as a small deep container, and then mix the ingredients in it, based on a ratio of 10: 1, respectively. Mix all this well and apply the finished ointment to the bite site to relieve swelling and itching. Such a hand-made cream can always be carried with you so that mosquito bites do not catch you by surprise.
You can also make an effective remedy for ticks at home. To do this, you need to dissolve two grams of vanillin in one hundred milliliters of vodka or medical alcohol. Lubricate open areas of the body with the resulting tincture before going out into the forest. Also, the liquid can be sprayed around the apartment in the intended habitat of the ticks. Alternatively, if you have pets, you can use this vanilla infusion to treat dog or cat hair.
If you have bugs in your house or apartment, vanillin will help get rid of them. It will be enough just to sprinkle the area where insects live with this product and leave the vanillin there for a while. You can also dissolve the spice in rubbing alcohol and spray the room with a spray bottle. The reviews of most hostesses who have tried this method are mostly positive.
Vanillin can help you get rid of ants in your home and garden if you prepare the right remedy. To do this, mix a pack of vanillin with water in the amount of one glass, add a spoonful of sugar, as well as a couple of drops of boric acid. Stir the liquid well and spray in places where pests have been noticed.

In most cases, vanillin-based insect repellents are effective. You need to properly prepare the mixture, as well as apply it to the desired place - and then the pests will no longer disturb you.

How to make do-it-yourself vanillin perfume?

Since vanillin is actively used in cosmetology, delicious perfumes are made from it. Even with your own hands at home, you can do it. In our article, we will tell you about this in detail.

First, you need to prepare all the necessary tools that will be needed in the process of creating perfume. Be sure to stock up on the following items:

convenient utensils for mixing ingredients;
clean pipettes;
bottles in which the perfume will be stored;
necessary ingredients.

If you do not pursue the goal of making home-made perfumes as long-lasting as possible, and you want to make a kind of eau de toilette, then you can start preparing. You need to take about fifty milliliters of water into a bowl and add a couple of drops of essential oil, which has a faint aroma. Preferably vanilla, as you will make the perfume with vanilla. After dissolving the oil in water and heating the mixture, add about five grams (half a bag) of vanillin, stir the liquid well to dissolve the crystals, and use pipettes to pour the mixture into vials. Now you can use homemade perfume as directed.

Vanillin for bait fishing

Vanillin is also suitable as a special bait for fishing. Usually it is mixed with various cereals when they are going to catch crucian carp. Vanillin is best combined with boiled millet porridge, but you need to add it to an already prepared dish so that the vanilla aroma does not disappear under the influence of heat treatment.

One kilogram ready-made porridge add two tablespoons of vanillin, mix the ingredients well, and then use the resulting mixture as bait.

In addition to millet porridge, vanillin is also added to barley, semolina, and compound feed. Sometimes vanilla sugar is used instead of vanillin, but it does not have such a rich taste and aroma.

Vanillin-based bait can attract fish species such as crucian carp, tench, carp and bream. Try not to overdo it by adding spice to your porridge so as not to make it overly flavorful, as this can scare fish away.

Vanillin harm and contraindications

Vanillin can harm people with individual intolerance to the product, which can be manifested by irritations, age spots, etc. Accordingly, such a spice is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to its components.

It is very important to know that vanilla can easily be poisoned if too much is swallowed. Symptoms of poisoning can be as follows: heartburn, unpleasant belching, upset stomach, weakness, dizziness, nausea, chills, followed by fever. In case of poisoning with vanillin, the negative consequences can last a day, during which it is necessary to consume a lot of water, as well as drink absorbent medicines.

Vanillin can also harm if a person has an individual intolerance or allergy to this product. An allergic reaction is especially dangerous in infants and young children. Adults tolerate allergies much easier. Symptoms of an allergy to this food additive the following:

vomit;
rash;
upset stool;
lacrimation;
rhinitis;
swelling of the oral mucosa;
increased body temperature.

With such symptoms, it is necessary to call a doctor or inject an anti-allergenic agent on your own, after making sure that it is in fact an allergy.

Pregnant and lactating women are not prohibited from using the spice, but it is advisable to reduce its amount when added to dishes.

Among other things, vanillin can cause harm if this spice is abused. It should be remembered about contraindications, and also use only a high-quality product, avoiding fakes. In this case, nothing will threaten your body.