The scent of vanilla is arguably one of the most recognized aromas in the world. It has been used for thousands of years in scented products such as candles and soaps. The complex aroma is sweet and inviting. It’s a staple ingredient in many fragrance and essential oil blends.
Many misconceptions have come along with vanilla’s popularity. There are several different forms of vanilla oil and some low-quality oil brands market it as an essential oil. Here, we’ll explain how the vanilla fragrances is extracted from the vanilla plant and whether it’s actually an essential oil.
What Exactly Is Vanilla?
Vanilla planifolia is the scientific name for the vanilla plant. It is classified as an orchid and belongs to the plant family Orchidaceae. Vanilla is indigenous to Mexico and Central America. Vanillin is the primary chemical component of vanilla. Madagascar and Mexico are the two major manufacturers of vanilla goods.
Vanilla bean seed pods are used in the production of all vanilla products. The vanilla vine plant is distinguished for its beautiful yellow orchids. Seed pods take the place of these flowers once the flowering season has ended. The vanilla pods look similar to long beans resulting in the term ‘vanilla bean’. These seedpods are harvested and then subjected to varying extraction methods to produce vanilla products.
Is Vanilla Essential Oil?
Naturally, you'd assume that vanilla's enticing aroma would make it an excellent candidate for usage as an essential oil. It has a rich yet stable scent and may be employed in a variety of culinary recipes without causing any harmful side effects. Unfortunately, pure vanilla essential oil does not exist. Vanilla cannot be used as an essential oil owing to the nature of its plant components and extraction process restrictions.
Essential oils must be obtained from natural sources and extracted by either steam distillation or dry distillation, according to the International Organization for Standardization. Many citrus essential oils are extracted by cold pressing, a dry distillation method. Essential oils are not produced by any other extraction process. Because the oils in vanilla beans cannot be extracted by steam distillation, they cannot be directly classified as essential oil.
Vanilla Bean Extract
Vanilla oil is made by simply soaking vanilla beans in a carrier oil such as coconut or almond oil. The oil infusion procedure produces aromatic molecules that provide fruity and flowery aromas.
Vanilla oil is frequently used in skin care products and lip balms, although it is not considered edible.
Vanilla's Oil Health Advantages
Because vanilla is not pure essential oil, its health advantages are not as well established as those of alternatives such as tea tree oil. Vanilla pure is only suitable for use topically or in scenting. This further limits the health benefits of the most concentrated vanilla option. Regardless, vanillin has shown some promise in skincare and mental health treatments.
Care for the Skin
Because of its fragrant character, vanilla is often used in skin care products such as face creams and lotions. Taiwanese researchers conducted a study to see whether vanilla has characteristics other than aroma that may treat skin problems. The study was published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, and the scientists concentrated on vanilla's capacity to cure psoriasis.
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