Vanilla

Health Benefits:

Aphrodisiac
Diuretic
Increases Sex Hormones & Orgasm
Lowers blood pressure
May reduce stress
Pain reliever

Nutrition:

N/A

Did You Know?

• Vanilla extract has also been shown to be an effective scent used in aromatherapy and patients report it has a calming, soothing effect. It can even be successfully used to combat mild sleep disorders.
• Quality vanilla beans are fragrant, dark brown or black in color, glossy, moist, supple and long. The tiny black seeds should be scraped from the pod with the point of a paring knife.
• In the US any product labeled ”vanilla extract ” by law must derive from true vanilla.

Ways to Eat:

• As a flavoring in ice cream
• In baked goods or other desserts
• Add to smoothies

Farming Trivia:

• Vanilla is the only fruit-bearing member of the orchid family
• Pure vanilla extract contains 13.35 ounces of vanilla beans per gallon during extraction, according to FDA specifications
• Nearly 30% of Americans choose vanilla as their No. 1 ice cream flavor (followed by chocolate, at less than 10%)