cb

I saw bottles of pure vanilla being sold in Ensenada, specifically at the port. This may be a silly question but does anyone know if that is really safe for consumption ? Sorry for being paranoid, but better safe than sorry; I recall olive oil from Europe that turned out deadly some years ago. thanks.

C.Clark

cb, it's very safe we buy it every time that we go down for ourselves and friends. <BR>

Ang

We purchased a bottle of it for my aunt who bakes a lot. I am also very cautious about what I consume. She did not have any ill effects from the vanilla.

Christie

Mexican vanilla is quite safe. I have been using it exculsively for about 5 years. It does taste a little different than the extract you get in the US, but we enjoy it and have never had any problems with it.

Lisa

My mo requires that I bring her back a bottle or two when I go! It's great and MUCH cheaper than in the States.

Allen

Have been using it for years. But it is stronger than the inferior vanilla found here in the states. We use about 1/2 what is called for in recipes so it doesn't overpower everything else.

Sue C

It is perfectly safe. That is one of Mexicos biggest exports. It tastes different because it's pure and not the extract we are used to here. I always have a list from people what and how much to bring back, is dirt cheap!!

Pancho

Vanilla is perfectly safe in Mexico and it tastes a lot better. Vanilla ice cream in Mexico has some taste to it as opposed to the very bland kind in the US.

yoly

First sorry if my spelling is not the best. But I have to say something about vanilla. 8-) <BR>I don't know if the bottles from Ensenada are safe, but I know the place where the vanilla is from: Papantla Veracruz; my grandfather used to dry vanilla for a living, it is very interesting work and is very much time consuming. I always think of him every time I smell vanilla the first thing that comes to my mind is Grandpa and the large vanilla beds laying down under the sun. My mother makes her own vailla extract from a recipie that my grandma gave to her. One of the best brands of vanilla extract from that area is Xanath ( it means vanilla flower in totonaca dialect). If you want to visit one day that area of the country you will love it!!! They have a rich culture; you can visit the Tajin and see the voladores or go to the beaches almost untouch by the tourist, you can see the indias wearing their traditional cloths and if you like it you can buy your own indian outfit at the mercado. Seat at the Zocalo or Parque in one of this towns ( papantla, gutierrez zamora, tecolutla) and watch the world go by, it is a very relaxing and nice experience. <BR> <BR>yoly

nancy

Hi..I bought vanilla last year in Manzanillo and it was fine. I am kicking myself for forgetting it this year. It's very good.

Cheryl Z.

<BR>Yoly - I just wanted to say thanks for posting your information about your family. Sometimes we tourists, and even seasoned travelers, take things for granted and don't think about the history behind whatever it is we're buying. Your story also reminded me of my husband talking about when he was growing up with his Sicilian grandfather who made his own wine. I've also bought the vanilla regularly in PV for gifts and have had no problem.