Best Vanilla Essence in India

It took me several years (and several misses) to find the best vanilla essence in India. I use vanilla essence prolifically in my baking and desserts, so it was always important to find an essence that wasn’t too artificial.

WHAT IS VANILLA ESSENCE?

Vanilla Essence is a liquid extract obtained by soaking vanilla beans in alcohol and water. The alcohol extracts the flavors and aromatic compounds from the vanilla beans, creating a concentrated liquid.

WHAT ARE VANILLA PODS?

These are the actual beans or pods of the vanilla orchid. The pods contain tiny seeds that contribute to the flavor. The whole pod, as well as the seeds, can be used for flavoring.

HOW TO CHOOSE BETWEEN VANILLA ESSENCE AND VANILLA PODS?

Well, I’m no professional baker or chef, so I prefer to use vanilla essence. I think vanilla pods would taste nicer in mellower desserts like creme brulees or custards, but in your cakes and normal desserts, essence works better. Vanilla essence has a more concentrated flavor and is also cheaper.

THE BEST VANILLA ESSENCE IN INDIA: SPRIG NATURAL BOURBON VANILLA EXTRACT

I’ve been using Sprig Vanilla Extract for the last five or six years, and it is perfect. It has a thicker, glossier texture compared to other brands, and none of that artificial taste or smell. It is a bit bitter when you taste it, but it blends beautifully with most desserts and gives it the perfect delicate vanilla flavor.

“Natural Bourbon Vanilla” refers to a specific variety of vanilla that is grown in the Bourbon Islands, which include Madagascar, Réunion, Comoros, and Seychelles. The term “Bourbon” does not refer to the alcoholic beverage but is derived from the name of the Île Bourbon, which is now called Réunion, one of the islands where this type of vanilla is produced.

Sprig Vanilla Essence is free of alcohol, gluten, and corn syrups. It’s made from Madagascar vanilla pods. It is on the more expensive side, but the flavor makes the price worth it! Sprig Vanilla Extract costs Rs 449 per 50 ml.

THE SECOND BEST VANILLA ESSENCE IN INDIA: BUSH VANILLA ESSENCE

I grew up around these tiny red-capped bottles. My mother and grandmother both used Bush Vanilla Essence, and there’s a good reason why. The flavor is good, the taste is not artificial, and it blends well with desserts. The best is, of course, its price — Rs 27 for 20 ml, unbeatable!

NOT RECOMMENDED: OSSORO VANILLA ESSENCE

I ordered Ossoro French Vanilla Flavour Essence on Amazon and was eagerly looking forward to it. It had great reviews, and I was quite disappointed. The flavor and scent were highly artificial, nothing like Sprig or even Bush. It was quite bitter in taste and ruined the cake I was making.

Last words: Go with Sprig Vanilla Essence!