Vanilla Beans are the long, greenish-yellow seed pods of the tropical orchid plant, Vanilla planifolia. Before the plant flowers, the pods are picked, unripe, and cured until they re dark brown. The process takes up to six months. To obtain Pure Vanilla Extract, cured Vanilla Beans are steeped in alcohol. Vanilla contains chemicals that are high in flavor and fragrance. Vanilla bean extract is used a flavoring in confectionery and baking. Essential oils extracted from the plant are also used in the perfume industry.
