Beware of the Mexican Vanilla

On a trip to Cozumel a few years back, I was given a free bottle of vanilla with my purchase of some pewter serving platters. At a recent Good Tastings Party, a customer said that she didn't need any vanilla because someone had just brought her back a big bottle of Mexican vanilla. It's tempting to think that because it's made in Mexico, it will be stronger or more concentrated, and therefore better. But in reality, if you or a family member has brought home a bottle of vanilla from Mexico recently, you should be wary of using it. I just stumbled across this article and thought it was information you need to know.

Natural vanilla extract can make foods taste great, but the chemical version -- which is supposed to be labeled as artificial flavoring -- is often made with a toxic substance called coumarin, which is related to warfarin, a blood thinner, and can be dangerous. The U.S. has banned coumarin in foods since 1954, but some products from Mexico and Latin America still use it.

The FDA has issued an official warning about it here. They also list some tips for consumers:

• Be wary about buying vanilla in Mexico and other Latin American countries. Look for "vanilla bean" in the ingredient list on the label. If it has "tonka bean" or if there is no ingredient list or a vague one, avoid this product.
  
  
• Don't risk your health to save a few dollars. Vanilla with coumarin is generally sold at a lower price than pure vanilla because tonka beans are cheaper to grow than vanilla beans. If the price sounds too good to be true, pass it up.
  
  
• Don't buy a food product in the United States that is not labeled in English. Products may have Spanish or other non-English labeling, but they must also have complete English labeling to meet U.S. Government standards. (Products sold only in Puerto Rico are an exception—they are not required to be labeled in English.)

Why take any chances? Another great reason to buy Watkins Double Strength Vanilla!

Having produced the world’s finest vanilla for more than 100 years, Watkins is recognized as the name in vanilla by hundreds of thousands of loyal customers. Our dedication to quality begins with buying only the finest vanilla beans. The best vanilla beans in the world are those of the Bourbon variety—specifically those grown on the island of Madagascar off the coast of Africa. This labor-intensive crop is of such high quality that a single bean can retail for more than $3 (U.S.). Watkins' signature blend of real vanilla extract and rich fortifiers (including artificial flavorings) give its award-winning Original Double Strength Vanilla a delicious, concentrated flavor that is economical to use and guarantees superior results.

Our dedication to quality is what makes Watkins the best vanilla you can buy.

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