Vanilla flavor is a popular option in a wide variety of foods, from beverages to snacks, pastries, dairy products, and beyond, there is no shortage of applications for vanilla.
Vanilla is one of the most widely-used flavors in the world. What many consumers may not realize is that vanilla is a natural flavor extracted from a plant. While most manufacturers may be aware of this fact, some might still be curious about the process.
Vanilla Extraction Process: There are a few different ways that vanilla flavors are made. But “natural vanilla flavor” most often refers to vanilla extract. Vanilla extract is generally considered to be the purest and most potent vanilla flavoring. The name “vanilla extract” is appropriate, as the flavor is literally extracted from vanilla beans. The first step to producing vanilla extract involves cultivating and curing vanilla beans of the vanilla orchid. The beans are soaked in warm water then fermented. After this, the beans are left alone for up to a month while they reach the proper condition for extraction. Once the beans are ready, their seeds are removed and soaked in a solution of water and alcohol. It is this last step that finally results in the end product of vanilla extract. The vanilla seeds placed in the liquid solution contain a molecule called vanillin. The vanillin molecule is responsible for producing the signature flavor and aroma of vanilla. The water and alcohol solution literally extracts the molecule from the vanilla seeds.
Imitation Vanilla: It is possible to artificially synthesize the vanillin molecule to produce imitation vanilla or vanilla essence. Because it still contains vanillin, imitation vanilla still does produce a distinct vanilla flavor. But often other additives can dilute this vanilla flavor, and it ends up being less pure. The more processed vanilla product may also be less healthy than vanilla extract depending on precisely how it is manufactured.
In most cases, it is preferable to use natural ingredients in food manufacturing. As previously mentioned, vanilla extract tends to offer a much more potent and pure vanilla flavor than imitation vanilla. And for manufacturers who prefer to stick with natural ingredients, the artificial vanilla flavor should be avoided.
All Natural Flavor Manufacturing
Vanilla is one of the most versatile and important flavors for many food manufacturers. Because of this, it is very important for these manufacturers to use only the best quality vanilla flavoring they can. Flavor experts like OSF Flavors can help food manufacturers craft the perfect natural vanilla flavor for all of their formulations. OSF uses only natural ingredients in every flavor and adheres to a strict standard of quality flavor manufacturing. Visit our website to learn more and request a vanilla flavor sample today.