Why “Plain Vanilla”?

At Vanilla Paradise Nevis, we cultivate organic and sustainable vanilla on the tropical island of Nevis and vanilla is anything but plain to me. Like many people, I encountered the expression "plain vanilla" to describe something that is basic, ordinary, or unremarkable, without really knowing why.  So, I decided to dive deeper into this term and explore how it is used and why.

From ice-cream to the trading-floor

Can you believe that the phrase "plain vanilla" actually comes from the world of finance? It’s believed that it was used to describe a simple financial instrument. This was because vanilla became the most popular ice-cream flavour due to its simplicity. This led to financial markets using "plain vanilla" to describe investments that had no bells and whistles, in other words, basic and standard. The term went on to be used in many contexts, including IT, where “vanilla software” is computer software which is not customized. Of course, I have to beg to differ. Vanilla is so much more than plain and basic. Let me share with you the magic I've discovered in the world of vanilla.

“In the world of flavors, vanilla reigns supreme. Its unadorned beauty captivates the senses, its warmth embraces the soul." - Laura Esquivel, Mexican novelist, author of “Like water for chocolate”, screenwriter and politician

The True Nature of Vanilla

Picture this: delicate blossoms that require tender hand-pollination, a meticulous 9 months maturing process and further 6 months of laborious curing, and the result? Vanilla beans that exude an enchanting aroma and unleash a rich and unique flavour. Vanilla is a journey for your taste buds, with hints of floral, fruity, and even woody notes. It's so complex.

Nothing plain about Vanilla 

Here are the incredible positives that vanilla brings to the table. There is much to celebrate:

Complexity: Vanilla is a flavour powerhouse, the most complex spices around, boasting at least 250 different flavour and aroma compounds, only one of which is vanillin, the product that can be made artificially in a lab (and is used in a lot of processed foods). It's far from plain or one-dimensional.

Versatility: Vanilla is a kitchen superhero. It elevates your sweet treats to new heights, but it doesn't stop there. Vanilla can also work its magic in savoury dishes, adding that special touch. The synthetic version of vanilla is a hero ingredient in perfumery, cosmetics, skincare and much more.

“If Cocoa was the food of the Gods, then Vanilla was definitely the nectar that accompanied it.”- Patricia Rain, Cultural Anthropoligist and the “Vanilla Queen”

Reframing "Plain Vanilla" 

With so many positives about vanilla, it's time to challenge the notion of "plain vanilla." Vanilla is a treasure trove of complexities and delights, and it deserves our appreciation. I think we need to reframe the term to honour the extraordinary qualities that make vanilla truly exceptional.

The journey into the fascinating world of vanilla has only recently begun on my farm, Vanilla Paradise Nevis, and I am filled with wonder every day at this amazing plant. Vanilla is not plain—it's a flavour miracle. Join me in celebrating the wonders of vanilla and spread the word about its captivating nature. Vanilla is anything but ordinary —it's pure bliss in every bean!