Looking at the scent: Vanilla

Vanilla is not only a delicious flavourant in desserts and soft drinks, but it has also become one of the most popular ingredients in fragrance. We’ve put together some interesting facts about this multifunctional plant.

Learning more about vanilla

What it is:
Vanilla is a climbing plant that comes in hundreds of variants, of which vanilla planifolia and vanilla tahitiensis are the two most popular forms used in commercial production. It is the only member in the orchid family that bears fruit.

Where it comes from:
Vanilla is believed to have been discovered by the Aztecs in the 16th century in central Mexico. It was later taken to Europe by the Spanish, which is where its name originated. The Spanish word vaina, meaning “little pod,” preceded the name “vanilla.” Thomas Jefferson is the first person to have introduced vanilla to the USA.

Where it’s produced:
Today, Madagascar is the biggest producer of vanilla, producing up to 1000 tons per year. Madagascar Bourbon vanilla is considered the highest quality and best vanilla in the world thanks to its consistency and staying power. Vanilla is also grown in certain parts of Africa and Indonesia.

How it’s used:
Vanilla is a common ingredient in food, particularly in desserts, baked goods and sweetened drinks.

In addition, it’s a majorly popular ingredient in both fragrances and home fragrances. In fact, it’s been suggested that it is the most common fragrance ingredient in modern perfumes! Vanilla essential oil or vanilla perfume oil is typically used to flavour perfumes, and this oil is made from vanilla beans, which are the seed pods of the vanilla orchid.

Why it’s so popular:
As consumers today, we are mostly familiar with synthetic forms of vanilla – fresh, “real” vanilla is extremely expensive and difficult to get hold of. The scent of vanilla is known for the feelings of warmth and comfort it creates when inhaled. It is connected to feelings of being at home, family, freshly baked goods and often, childhood memories. It is thought to be such a popular scent as it has positive effects on those who smell it, bringing comfort and warmth.

It is also known to be good for stress relief.

Interesting facts:
Vanilla is considered a powerful aphrodisiac, and in the past it was a common treatment for male impotency.

Studies have indicated that men are drawn to the vanilla scent, making vanilla-rich fragrances the favourites among the male population. Not only is it considered the sexiest-smelling ingredient, but it also creates a sense of family, home and comfort, making it a great all-rounder.

Vanilla-rich scents we love:
The Body Shop Madagascan Vanilla Flower Eau de Toilette
Dolce & Gabbana The One
Thierry Mugler Angel
Marc Jacobs Dot

Other articles you may be interested in:
Fragrance notes: woody
Fragrance notes: Oriental
Fragrance notes: floral
Fragrance notes: citrus and fresh
Fragrance myths

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13 Responses

  1. The body shop vanilla perfume is my everyday perfume. My boyfriend loves it and i love it. I use black opium for special occasions but that scent will always be my go to scent.

  2. Hmmn I guess I will be wearing a lot of vanilla perfum because I want my fiance to love me more ;) *off to the shops*

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