woke up and someone spilled vanilla extract all over my dash, so as punishment you strange little beasties are getting all the VANILLA FACTS i know:
vanilla is the 2nd most expensive spice in the world (2nd to saffron)
which is why more than 99% of what we call "vanilla extract" is actually vanillin (vanilla's dominant flavor compound) and is not extracted from real vanilla.
luckily, even professionals struggle to tell the difference when it comes to things like baked goods. but there is a distinct difference in non-heat treated products like vanilla ice cream. real vanilla has a more complex, individualized flavor profile.
why is vanilla so expensive? because it is a ridiculously delicate & demanding crop. complete primadonna.
vanilla beans come from vanilla orchids. these crazy flowers bloom for A SINGLE DAY and have to be HAND-POLLINATED in a process that is exhausting, delicate, and requires specialist knowledge passed down over generations.
then, if you're lucky, you get vanilla beans.
which then require months of further specialized treatment.
the entire process takes about a year and can go wrong at any stage
vanilla has been cultivated for over 800 years (possibly much longer). the first known cultivators are the Totonac, an indigenous people of Mexico.
the Aztecs used it as a sweetener to balance out the bitter taste of cocoa. it was popular in a drink called xocolatl--the precursor to modern hot chocolate!
it is only pollinated by a very specific orchid bee!!!
which is why no fruit could be grown outside of Mexico until the 1800s
Edmond Albius, born into slavery, invented the pollination method we still use today--launching a global industry when he was just 12 years old.
today, the majority of the world's vanilla is grown in Madagascar
if you want real vanilla, read the labels carefully--it's harder to find than you think!
in conclusion, those tiny black specks you see in fancy vanilla ice cream? those are vanilla bean seeds! itty bitty orchid seeds!!! they are delicious and also a PRISSY BITCH!
(src)
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Let's talk about Shavs Media Productions
I wanted to make this post a little earlier on, but completely forgot to put it on Tumblr.
In case no one is aware, I was one of her co producers. I helped run the channel for a bit and was hesitant to share my experiences with her. After hearing that she was not treating other people in my position very well, I decided to come forward.
For those who choose to follow the rabbithole, please be warned there are mentions of N/S/F/W talk, racism, transphobia, and other things. There's a LOT about this that we uncovered since posting. Lots of people are hurt. This is your warning.
Here's the link to the post on Twitter.
For those of you who can't see it there, I'll just post the direct link to the document here. The archive of screenshots I have is posted at the beginning.
It's important to note that this is to spread awareness of her past actions and hold her accountable. Shavs uses Tumblr as a platform to recruit artists, and it's important people know what they're getting into by working with her. Many many others have come forth to corroborate the things talked about in this document that are not in the posted Archive at the beginning. While she is saying that she is making changes and coming forward with a public statement, Tumblr is still a preferred choice of recruitment platform for her. Don't witchhunt, spread rumors, or harass people. This is the open door for those who've been affected to come out.
Spread this around. Share your own stories. Hold her accountable, please.
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