You can notice a tonne of goods with vanilla flavours stacked on the shelves everywhere you look in the retail store's aisle. And finally, this one is the one that grabs your interest the most: French and natural vanilla. Avoid confusing one for the other. The difference between natural and French vanilla is real; let us tell you that.
Any name that has "French" attached to it sounds immediately fancier: French cheese, French wine, etc. Individuals frequently believe—whether consciously or unconsciously—that French vanilla is superior to ordinary vanilla. But that's not always the case; in fact, it's not even French. So, let's get started with the difference between both French vanilla and regular vanilla.
What Is Classic Vanilla?
The longest, dark brown pod, known as a vanilla bean, is the most genuine type of spice. It originates from the vanilla orchid with flat leaves. Planifolia, Tahitian, or Madagascar vanilla beans are just a few of the varieties of commercially available bulk vanilla beans that you can typically buy in your local retail stores. The primary producers of vanilla are Madagascar and Indonesia, which explains why. the nations whose plantations grow vanilla beans are then exported all year round to other countries.
What Is French Vanilla?
French vanilla represents the process of manufacturing ice cream. To dispel any confusion, the name French vanilla is not derived from its growing region. To tell the truth, there are no French-origin vanilla beans.
The word "French vanilla" describes the egg yolks used in the French-style ice cream recipe. The ice cream products have a thick, rich consistency because of the egg yolks. Food manufacturers are free to use either natural or artificial vanilla flavourings while making French vanilla ice cream. Consequently, there are two possible meanings for products labelled "French vanilla." Either the maker is explaining how to make ice cream, or it's just a ploy for marketing purposes.
Differences Between French Vanilla And Classic Vanilla
Flavour
Vanilla has a powerful, sweet, and creamy flavour. The flavour is frequently characterised as having caramel and butterscotch undertones.
French vanilla has the same foundation flavour as American vanilla, but with a note of egg custard added. It's almost creamy and significantly richer.
Origin
Vanilla is native to Mexico, Africa, and Tahiti, but it is currently farmed all over the world. However, French vanilla does not originate in France.
The word refers to a method of preparation that makes use of egg yolks. And that custard-making technique is French.
Appearance
Let's speak about ice cream. Because this is the only way you'll be able to tell them apart. The bases of vanilla and French vanilla ice cream differ in colour. The basis of plain vanilla is sweet cream. As a result, it's as white as a snowflake.
And the base of French vanilla is an egg yolk custard. As a result, it has a pale yellow colour that is reminiscent of a bright day. The egg yolks give it a boost of flavour.