Did you know that 99% of vanilla flavours are artificial?

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Artificial, or synthetic, vanilla can be derived from the by-product of the wood-pulp industry(lignin vanillin) or from the chemical manipulation of coal tar (ethyl vanillin), or just simply manufactured in a chemical laboratory. Sound yummy?

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These artificial alternatives, whilst kinder to the purse, will never be substitutes for the real thing.

Artificial vanilla only contains one compound, vanillin, whilst real vanilla contains over 250 compounds, giving it depth and complexity that cannot be replicated synthetically.

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Vanilla grown in different parts of the world will also have different flavour molecules, just like a fine wine. You can taste a little of Madagascar, East Africa, or even Tahiti, in beans grown and harvested naturally.

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In addition to the taste buds, buying real vanilla from an ethical and sustainable source helps farmers in some of the poorest communities in the developing world.

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Buying real vanilla will also be help the planet, by discouraging deforestation. Vanilla planifolia is a climbing vine and needs host support (a tree) to climb up, in addition to liking shade. If farmers are given a reliable income from the sale of their vanilla beans, they will be encouraged to keep their trees, as opposed to cutting them down to clear the land for other agricultural crops.

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So, if you can, please buy real vanilla !