Vanilla bean
Description
A vanilla bean is a dark brown, shiny, slightly wrinkled pod with an intense, sweet-floral aroma featuring creamy and slightly woody notes; when cut open, it contains tiny black seeds ("caviar") that are the source of its intense flavor. Nutritionally, its caloric contribution is negligible, but it contains aromatic compounds such as vanillin and trace amounts of minerals and antioxidants; it is traditionally attributed with mood-enhancing and digestion-supporting properties, although these effects are subtle. In the kitchen, a vanilla bean pairs wonderfully with desserts: creams, ice creams, puddings, cakes, and jams; it is also used to flavor beverages, sauces, and some savory dishes, where it softens spiciness and enhances sweetness. Store it in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark place away from moisture and light; you can also store it in sugar to create aromatic vanilla sugar, and the used bean can be reused.
