The Great History of Vanilla

Aaron and Zarela welcome Chef Fany Gerson of La Newyorkina and Fan Fan Doughnuts to explore an ingredient we all know and love: vanilla. When people think of this universal flavor, they don’t always think of it as a Mexican ingredient. But vanilla is indigenous to Veracruz. We’ll learn all about it – from how it’s produced (hint: it’s not a bean) – to Fany’s love of vanilla in her Paletas (Mexican ice pops) and her new Brooklyn shop Fan-Fan Doughnuts.

Plus, Zarela shares one of her favorite savory recipes using vanilla, Pollo Papantla (chicken with orange juice and vanilla), and some family memories of growing up around the precious vanilla production.

Photo Courtesy of Evan Sung

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