A tablespoon of vanilla goes a long way. As a key spice in baking, the intoxicating aromatic bean that reminds folks of delicious holiday desserts has a variety of uses throughout the year.
As a bean, it is used to flavor foods and products from cakes to candles. As an extract, it is a basic ingredient in flavoring food, hot and cold beverages, even pharmaceutical medications. The extract provides benefits in cosmetics for its antioxidant properties, and in perfume and traditional craft markets for its scent.
New developments in genetic research conducted by University of Florida scientists in Homestead will give South Florida growers an opportunity to experiment with a large variety of vanilla bean species as early as next month. If all goes as planned, growers could find themselves starting a niche market that has been dominated by the Republic of Madagascar at a steep price.
“We have generated a vanilla genome and diversity study looking at more than 100 vanilla types. We currently have a collection of more than 200 vanilla types from this preliminary research,” says Alan Chambers, an assistant professor of horticultural sciences at UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) Tropical Research and Education Center.
This story is from the January 2020 edition of Central Florida Ag News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 2020 edition of Central Florida Ag News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Florida Roots
New Florida Cattlemen President Cliff Coddington: ‘Let’s Ride Together’
Recipe Spotlight
Stir Things Up With a Taste of Wild Game
Hitting the Mark
4-H Shooting Clubs Help Keep Life Goals On Target
SIGNS of the SEASON
Florida Taps Into the Tropics With Guava
What's the Buzz About Backyard Beekeeping?
In the Heartland Highlands County
UF/IFAS Professor Leads Effort to Establish Pomegranates in Florida
GROWING UP IN IRAN, Ali Sarkhosh worked on the family’s pomegranate farm, which has thrived for four generations.
SIGNS of the SEASON
Cantaloupe Thrive in Florida’s Warm Climate
Minor Scores Major Win
Longwood Boy Places Second in Inaugural Cooking Competition by PAUL CATALA photos provided
In The Heartland Highlands County
New UF/IFAS Extension Director Takes Lifetime Work in Ag, 4-H to the Next Level
Proud to Announce State Championship Winner, Polk's 2021-2022 Officers
DID YOU HEAR THE GREAT NEWS about Auburndale High School? Jacob Lawson, an Auburndale High School FFA member, recently competed in the Safe Tractor Operations Career Development Event at the state level. Jacob stole the show by winning the state championship! His advisor, Mrs. Kimberly Shaske, shared a few words in regards to Jacob’s hard work and accomplishments.