1. Vanilla is a universal flavour
If you flick through the pages of any number of recipe books, it’s safe to say that they will call for vanilla. Vanilla is a universal flavour and is used to flavour almost anything from cakes, cookies, slices and desserts to drinks, sauces and even savoury meals. A recipe without vanilla simply isn’t worth the effort – it accentuates the flavour of other ingredients, pairs wonderfully with other spices or is heaven as the hero flavour in an everyday cupcake or creamy custard. It adds a warming, sweet and rounded flavour that compliments anything it’s added to. Cocoa on the other hand, will overpower your recipe and taste like nothing but chocolate!
2. Vanilla makes chocolate taste better
Did you know that vanilla makes chocolate taste better? Way back in the 15th century, the Totonac Indians of the East Coast of Mexico, founders and keepers of vanilla, used ground vanilla beans to flavour “Chocolatl”, a drink made from water, ground roasted cocoa beans and honey. More than two thousand years later, the use of vanilla in chocolate is still strong. Vanilla really enhances the flavour notes of chocolate, without which it would be dull and a little flat. Would this vanilla vs chocolate debate even exist without the use of vanilla in chocolate? Read more about the fascinating history of vanilla.
3. Vanilla means versatility
Vanilla is versatile and dynamic and can be included in every meal of the day. Vanilla for breakfast? Add a splash of Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean Paste to your granola or porridge. Chocolate for breakfast? Not for us! Vanilla cakes, cookies and pastries – of course. Scoping out the pantry for great new flavours to add to your dinner? Vanilla has your back. Cured Honey & Vanilla Salmon is just one of our favourite recipes for adding vanilla to savoury cooking. Visit our Savoury Recipe Collection for more ideas. Lastly, dessert! Velvety ice creams and silky custards are what vanilla dreams are made of. Creamy ingredients are delicious companions for vanilla, allowing the full flavour profile to shine through.
4. Vanilla Ice Cream tops them all
Vanilla ice cream tops all other flavours, consistently ranking as the number one flavour, year after year. I scream, you scream we all scream for vanilla ice cream! Sorry chocolate, second place is where you belong.
5. Vanilla or Chocolate Magic Cake?
If you know our recipes well, chances are you’ve baked our Vanilla Custard Magic Cake. With three teaspoons of Vanilla Bean Paste and a creamy custard middle, it’s a vanilla lover’s dream. In order to give chocolate a chance, we’ve also created a Coconut Rough Magic Cake inspired by coconut rough chocolate. Which one is your favourite?
6. Vanilla as a fragrance
If we dare to move away from desserts and baking for just a moment, we’ll discover that vanilla is also extremely popular as a fragrance, body lotion and scented candle. Vanilla or chocolate scented candle? We know which one we’d rather.
7. Vanilla makes us happy
For many of us, the aroma or taste of vanilla triggers memories and emotions of our childhood. We were baking in the kitchen with Mum or Grandma when we first experienced the smell of vanilla, and are whisked back to that happy place with every whiff of our favourite ingredient. Read some of Australia’s beautiful memories of baking with Queen.
Do you have another reason why vanilla is better than chocolate? We’d love to hear it! Let us know in the comments below or visit our Vanilla Recipe Collection to fall in love with the world’s most beautiful flavour.
Certainly! Vanilla is an incredible ingredient with a rich history and versatile applications, making it a beloved choice in various culinary and aromatic experiences. I've delved into the nuances of vanilla, its historical significance, and its culinary and sensory impact. Let's break down the concepts from the article:
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Vanilla as a Universal Flavor: Vanilla's widespread use in recipes across cultures and cuisines is a testament to its versatility. Its ability to enhance other flavors while providing its unique profile is well-documented. I've explored vanilla's role in accentuating tastes in baking, desserts, beverages, and even savory dishes.
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Vanilla Enhancing Chocolate: The historical use of vanilla by the Totonac Indians to flavor "Chocolatl" showcases its long-standing partnership with chocolate. Vanilla's ability to elevate and complement the flavor notes of chocolate is evident, shaping its taste profile and enhancing its overall appeal.
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Versatility of Vanilla: The article emphasizes how vanilla isn't limited to sweet treats but can be integrated into various meals throughout the day, from breakfast to dinner. It's highlighted in breakfast items like granola or porridge, savory dishes like Honey & Vanilla Salmon, and of course, desserts like ice cream and custards.
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Popularity of Vanilla Ice Cream: Vanilla consistently ranks as the top ice cream flavor, showcasing its universal appeal. This resonates with the preference of many individuals for its creamy, fragrant, and subtly sweet taste over other flavors, including chocolate.
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Vanilla in Baking Recipes: Specific recipes like the Vanilla Custard Magic Cake demonstrate vanilla's prominence in baking. The contrast between the Vanilla Custard Magic Cake and the Coconut Rough Magic Cake reflects the ongoing debate of vanilla versus chocolate preferences in culinary creations.
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Vanilla as a Fragrance: Beyond culinary uses, vanilla is popular as a fragrance in body lotions and scented candles. Its warm, comforting scent often outshines alternatives like chocolate-scented items.
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Emotional Association with Vanilla: The article touches upon the emotional connection many people have with vanilla, associating it with fond memories of baking with family members. Its aroma triggers nostalgia and happiness, linking back to personal experiences.
Each of these points underscores the widespread influence and significance of vanilla in our culinary, sensory, and emotional experiences, solidifying its status as a beloved flavor and fragrance across the world.
