Vanillin

Vanillin is the chief component giving vanilla its taste.

Chemical Formula: C₈H₈O₃

Other names: 2-Hydroxy-3-methoxybanzaldehyde

Layman's explanation: The second most expensive spice in the world, vanilla, was discovered 1000 years ago by the Totonac tribe in Mexico. Vanillin comes from the beans grown on the Vanilla orchid. Currently, Madagascar and Indonesia have the largest crops of the plant. A large percentage of vanilla is used for flavoring ice creams and yogurts. It is also used in perfumes and for flavoring in medicines. The vanilla used in most household kitchens is likely imitation vanilla, a synthetic mix that often contains propylene glycol, also found in antifreeze.

Keywords: Vanilla orchid, flavoring

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