Trader Joe's new vanilla

[Zen Baker]

I was at Trader Joe's today and noticed they had a new vanilla extract (not the Mexican vanilla that they've been carrying for a while now). The label says: Pure Bourbon Vanilla Extract" but doesn't say where it's from. There's a little blurb on the label about how vanilla beans came from Mexico, went to the Ile de Bourbon, blah blah blah. But does that mean that the extract is from Madagascar/Bourbon Islands? Is it safe to assume that is does?

The ingredient label says: Bourbon vanilla bean extractives in water. Alcohol (35%).

I'm hoping that it's the old Mexican vanilla in a new package.

Any opinions? Insights?

[devinf]

Dunno about the Trader Joe's thing, but lately my beans carry a tag that says they are from Uganda.

[Macarons&Mozart]

TJ's also sells something called "Vanilla Paste", which is a thick and sticky mix (about the texture of honey) vanilla seeds suspended in a naturally-flavored vanilla "goo". It doesn't sound very good, but I have tried it. It is nice to use when you want to get the "speckled" effect from vanilla seeds in your desserts.

[Mottmott]

TJ's also sells something called "Vanilla Paste", which is a thick and sticky mix (about the texture of honey) vanilla seeds suspended in a naturally-flavored vanilla "goo".  It doesn't sound very good, but I have tried it.  It is nice to use when you want to get the "speckled" effect from vanilla seeds in your desserts.

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I thought to try it, too. It might leave good speckles, but not a good taste.

[tejon]

I didn't find that the vanilla paste had much taste at all. It was mainly sweet and sticky, with the visual of vanilla flecks, but only a muted vanilla flavor. Not something I'd buy again.

[Macarons&Mozart]

I use it in combination with vanilla extract. THat way i get specks and flavor.

[McAuliflower]

hmmmm I wonder if the vanilla paste in this case is made from the strained vanilla bits left over after the extracting process?

I think the "bits" help the brain think its getting more vanilla than it really is.

[tan319]

I use it in combination with vanilla extract.  THat way i get specks and flavor.

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I think that's the ticket for using Vanilla Bean Paste, with ext and even a V. Bean, split & scraped, if you're on a budget.