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| Q: |
Where is vanilla grown? |
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| A: |
Vanilla is grown mainly in five countries, Malaysia, Madagascar, Indonesia, Mexico and Tahiti. Vanilla is also grown in limited amounts in Costa Rica, India, Uganda and Jamaica. |
| Q: |
What type of plant is vanilla? |
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| A: |
Vanilla is the only fruit-bearing member of the orchid family. In all growing areas except Tahiti it is Vanilla Planifolia Andrews. In Tahiti it is Vanilla Tahitensis Moore. |
| Q: |
How many harvests of vanilla beans are there per year? |
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| A: |
Vanilla beans are harvested once a year. |
| Q: |
What is a fold of vanilla? |
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| A: |
A fold is the relative measure of strength of vanilla extract. Single fold vanilla is typically what the consumer buys at the market. For food processing, two, three or four fold vanillas are typically used. A single fold vanilla contains the extractive matter of 13.35 ounces of vanilla beans, containing less than 25% moisture, in one gallon of 35% aqueous ethyl alcohol. Two fold uses 26.7 ounces of vanilla beans, contains twice as much extractive matter and is twice as strong. Three fold and four fold are just three or four time the content of one fold. This is a standard of identity set by the FDA for Pure Vanilla. |
| Q: |
Does all vanilla taste the same? |
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| A: |
No, taste depends on a number of factors. The country of origin of the vanilla beans, maturity of the beans when picked, curing method used of the beans and the extraction method used to produce the extract all will influence the final flavor profile. |
| Q: |
Does the base for a Mfg. Food product dictate what vanilla should be used in that product? |
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Most definitely. Some bases will totally mask a vanilla while others may cause a vanilla to create an off taste. |
| Q: |
Can vanilla be used as a non-characterizing flavor? |
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| A: |
Yes, vanilla is a very effective potentiator for most other flavors. Typically used at lower doses, vanilla will boost chocolate, coffee, nut flavors as well as all fruit flavors. When used with citrus, it tends to cover the acid bite and make them seem quite creamy. |
| Q: |
Does vanilla only come in liquid form? |
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| A: |
At RTSB we also have a Pure Vanilla Powder that consists of our Malaysian Vanilla Extract dried on a maltodextrin (a modified all natural corn starch) base. This uses a proprietary, low temperature, process to insure the same quality vanilla flavor bouquet in our dry powder as in our liquid extracts. |
| Q: |
How do you cook with a vanilla bean? |
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| A: |
Split lengthwise & steep seeds & pod. |
| Q: |
How do you use vanilla powder? |
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Formulate to match our extract in strength and usage, it is good as a topping and for color or for liquid sensitive products. |
| Q: |
What is vanilla paste? |
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| A: |
Formulate to match our extract in flavor, strength and usage, it is the consistency of between a syrup and molasses which holds hundreds of vanilla bean seeds in suspension giving products that physical gourmet appearance. |
| Q: |
Should vanilla be stored in the cooler or freezer? |
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| A: |
No, vanilla should be stored at room temperature. |
| Q: |
Can all natural vanilla be clear? |
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| A: |
No, clear vanilla is made by combining propylene glycol or glycerine with artificial vanillin. |
| Q: |
What is artificial vanillin? |
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| A: |
Artificial vanillin simulates 1 flavor component out of over 250 different flavor components found in natural vanilla. It is a by product of the wood industry or is produced from petro-chemicals. |
| Q: |
Why do people say Mexican vanilla is bad or dangerous? |
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| A: |
Mexico has no truth in labeling regulations or any organization like our FDA. Many times the vanilla will contain artificial flavors or enhancers, such as Coumarin, which is carcinogenic product that has been outlawed by the FDA for the last 30 to 40 years. If manufactured correctly, under the proper guidelines, it is considered to be a high quality vanilla. |
| Q: |
Where RTSB vanilla products manufactured? |
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| A: |
We have two manufacturing facilities, one in Pahang, Malaysia and one in Jakarta, Indonesia. Our corporate headquarters is in Kuala Lumpur. |
| Q: |
Can I place orders directly with RTSB? |
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| A: |
Yes, you can. |
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