Finally used some of my Dominican Vanilla yummm!!

[CJnNJ]

I remembered this thread when I was in DR and was looking for vanilla. I imagined pure Dominican vanilla would be falling off the grocery store shelves. All I found was vanilla extract with (gasp!) with some type of corn syrup added. I usually use Morton and Bassett from the US, but thought I could pick up a less expensive Dominican brand while visiting.

Can you get pure vanilla in DR (Santo Domingo in particular) without visiting expensive specialty stores?

CJ

[Drake]

There is something special about Dominican vanilla even if it is artificial. People have told me that it is less greasy and is great for cakes. Its often on the visiters shopping list of items that must be bought besides the usual rum cigars ect..
Vanilla is grown here as i have a plant or vine myself. It is family of Orchids. the climate here is ideal. The reason its so expensive is the preparation of the pods. They need to be carefully dried so they dont loose the taste. Its a slow process that requires alot of attention. I have not heard of any commercial operations but would be very interested of any if there are.

[2LeftFeet]

What does the orchid look like? Can you take a picture and post it?

[Rie]

Hi - Another question about vanilla: Does anyone know anything about "Industrias Doncel Ext. Vainilla Blanca" produced I think in San Fco. de Macoris, R.D. or "Extracto De Vainilla" made for ESTRELLA DE ORO in Santiago, R.D. Both are white vanilla. I am trying to find out if either of these contain corn products or coumadin. Can anyone help me?