Vanilla answers

Answers to frequently asked vanilla questions.

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  1. Tamara on August 4, 2009 at 12:24 pm

    I would love to be able to grow some Vanilla, simply for the fragrance…beans would be a bonus. However, I live in northern Alberta, Canada… Is it possible without building some type of greenhouse? Or is it even (only?) possible with a greenhouse?

  2. Mercedes on June 11, 2010 at 9:42 pm

    Hi! I would like to know if there is any specific organic norm for certified organic vanilla

  3. ian on June 13, 2010 at 1:17 pm

    There are lots of organizations the certify organic products, they range from shady (self-certified) to well-respected (regular on-site inspections, etc). The organic standard I personally feel is best is Demeter certified products. Demter certifies the whole system, from the way a product is grown, to the effect growing it has on the local land and community. In my personal opinion, Demeter is the most holistic and trustworthy organic certification.

  4. Marti on September 1, 2010 at 1:57 am

    Why do you recommend brown glass bottles for storing instead of clear? I have Watkins – it is in clear plastic. Also other types I have seen in brown plastic, not glass. Please comment on the choice of packaging.

    I am wanting to make some to put in gift baskets, and like some of the specialty bottles I am finding on line – there are fewer choices in amber glass bottles than other types, and just don’t want to make a bad choice that would ruin my investment!

    Thanks!

  5. ian on September 1, 2010 at 9:03 am

    Brown glass is typically used for long-term storage because it is non-reactive (doesn’t leach anything into the contents, even alcohol and solvent based contents). Dark is used to block light and preserve the flavor from degrading over time.

    I steer clear from plastic because there’s usually no way for the home-user to verify the plastic in the bottle is appropriate for long term storage of a 35% alcohol mixture.