Vanilla

Vanilla, any of various tropical vines (genus Vanilla) of the orchid family; the term also refers to the extract made from the vine's pods and used for flavoring. The plants grow to about 50 ft (15.2 m) and bear yellow-green flowers that produce the pods, 5–10 in (13–25 cm) in length. Vanilla extract is obtained by a process of pulverization of the cured vanilla pods which are then heated in alcohol and water. Vanilla is widely used to flavor chocolate, candy, ice cream, baked goods, and beverages.