Premium Ugandan Vanilla Powder from Grade A Gourmet Vanilla Beans

Description

Vanilla is the world’s second most expensive spice made from an orchid, one of the only few that produces fruit. Vanilla was first cultivated by the Totonac people in Mexico who used it as a fragrance in temples, a good luck charm in amulets and to flavour food.

Growing vanilla is very labour intensive and it requires hand pollination. The orchids open only once from early morning until midday during flowering season. The flower must be hand pollinated within 12 hours of opening, otherwise it wilts and falls off and no vanilla bean will grow until the next flowering season.

Our vanilla powder comes from grade A vanilla beans grown in Southern Uganda. Once harvested, the vanilla beans go through a curing process that can take up to 3 months. This highly skilled process employs about 80-90% women. Once the beans have dried, they are ground into powder.

Nothing is added to the vanilla powder. It is pure ground vanilla bean unlike vanilla extract that has alcohol in it.

 

How should I use vanilla powder?

My favourite way to enjoy vanilla powder is by sprinkling it on my hot chocolate or coffee.

This Ugandan vanilla powder can also be used to make a hot chocolate. Add 1 tbsp of raw cacao, 1/2 – 1 tbsp of sugar to a cup of milk, 1/4 tsp of vanilla powder and heat in your microwave or on a medium flame until it is about to start boiling.

It can be used in:

• Cereal
• Oatmeal
• Smoothies
• Chia Pudding
• Baking
• Milkshakes
• Puddings
• Desserts
• Hot Chocolate
• Yoghurt
• Energy Bars

 

How to store vanilla powder?

This vanilla powder is vacuum packed. Once opened, store in an airtight container in a cool dark area. It can be stored for upto 2 years.

Vanilla powder may be a better alternative to vanilla pods if you don’t really bake often. Vanilla powder can last upto 2 years if stored well whereas vanilla pods may last between 6 – 12 months.

 

Does vanilla powder have any nutritional benefits?

Further studies are required to make these conclusive:

• Vanillin, a plant compound found in vanilla, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties based on animal and test-tube studies.
• Adding vanilla to your drinks may potentially reduce sugar intake as vanilla seems to increase the perceived sweetness of drinks.