Vanilla Beans Are... Healthy?
You read that right, this underrated little bean might secretly be a superfood disguised as your everyday baking ingredient. The health-related benefits of vanilla, when turned into an extract or powder, are delightfully unexpected.
For such an unassuming & commonly known ingredient, the list of benefits just might surprise you:
- Rich in Antioxidants: Pure vanilla contains vanillin, which acts as an antioxidant.
- Natural Mood Support: The scent and flavour of vanilla has been known to promote relaxation.
- Mild Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Vanillin may have gentle anti-inflammatory effects.
- Potential Digestive Comfort: Traditionally used to help soothe the stomach and increase digestive comfort.
- Anti-Diabetic Properties: Vanillin has demonstrated a promising ability to reduce blood glucose, improve insulin sensitivity, and combat oxidative stress and inflammation associated with diabetes.
It's important to note that these benefits can only be reaped by real, pure vanilla products; which is why we pride ourselves on ethically sourced, high quality vanilla beans for all of our products here at Columbia Valley Vanilla Co. Today, many of the vanilla products available on the shelves are not made with quality in mind, and may even be made with counterfeit vanilla due to the time consuming and expensive process of vanilla bean farming.
Flavour Notes by Region
MEXICO
Spicy & Woody
Warm spice, raisin, and a subtle smoky finish.
TAHITI
Floral & Fruity
Jasmine-like florals, cherry and stone-fruit notes.
MADAGASCAR
Classic Bourbon Elegance
Smooth, buttery, sweet; perfect for traditional baking.
UGANDA
Bold & Cocoa-Rich
Deep chocolate undertones, creamy sweetness, earthy warmth.
Why Vanilla Origin Matters
Every vanilla bean is shaped by its environment: its soil, its climate, its altitude, and the hands that nurture it. Origin isn’t just a location, it's also what creates each bean's signature flavour.
Each region’s vanilla reflects:
- Soil composition
- Humidity and rainfall
- Sun exposure
- Local curing traditions
FUN FACT:
Vanilla is actually the second-most expensive spice in the world, next to saffron.
Because of the time-intensive process of hand pollinating, growing, harvesting, and curing, authentic vanilla gives saffron a run for it's money (literally).
ABOUT COLD EXTRACTION
Here at Columbia Valley Vanilla Co., we use a process called "cold extraction" to create our pure vanilla extract. Cold extraction is a slow, meticulous process designed to preserve the hundreds of delicate aromatics naturally found in vanilla beans. Unlike heat-based methods, which can flatten or destroy key flavor compounds, cold extraction gently draws out the bean’s full character over several months. This approach protects the floral, fruity, creamy, and spicy notes that make each origin unique, resulting in a smooth, clean flavor free from caramelized sugars or harsh edges.
The result is a true-to-origin vanilla extract that reflects the natural personality of every bean. Cold extraction maintains the richness of Ugandan cocoa-like depth, the classic sweetness of Madagascar, and the soft, floral elegance of Tahitian varieties. With a 3–6 month extraction period, this method prioritizes craftsmanship over convenience; honoring the Columbia Valley standard to protect what nature created and elevate it through intentional, careful craft.
More Than a Baking Ingredient
While vanilla extract is most commonly used in baking, it can also be used in a variety of ways for everyday use. From Aromatherapy and skincare, all the way to DIY household cleaners and even as a savoury cooking enhancer, this unsuspecting extract is more versatile than you ever imagined.
Our favourite way to use our Premium Pure Vanilla Extract (and powder!) is as a flavour enhancer in BBQ sauces, marinades, balsamic dressings, meat glazes, and creamy soups such as squash or sweet potato.
It can also be used to flavour your breakfast dishes such as yogurt, oatmeal, french toast mixes, chia pudding, fruit bowls, and smoothies!
For fun recipes using our pure vanilla products, check out our recipes page:
Columbia Valley Vanilla Recipes – Columbia Valley Vanilla Company
