Vanilla History
Vanilla was discovered in Mexico by the Spanish conquistadors, who dubbed it vainilla meaning "little sheath." They brought it to Europe, where it was quickly adopted. The first written mention of vanilla was in 1662, in reference to an ingredient used with chocolate by the Native Americans.By the 19th century, the great innovation of ice cream created a love affair with vanilla.
Vanilla beans were once prized as highly effective aphrodisiacs. They were so rare, they were used as tribute payments to royalty.
More About Vanilla and Vanilla Recipes
• Vanilla Selection and Storage• Vanilla Beans
• Pure Vanilla Extract, Imitation Vanilla, and Vanilla Flavoring Differences
• Homemade Vanilla Extract and Cooking Tips
• Beware Adulterated Mexican Vanilla
• Vanilla History
• Vanilla Recipes
Vanilla Photo © 2007 Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Cookbooks
| • | Simply Vanilla: Recipes for Everyday Use |
| • | Chocolate and Vanilla |
| • | Vanilla: The Cultural History of the World's Favorite Flavor and Fragrance |
| • | Herb Mixtures & Spicy Blends |
| • | More Cookbooks |
