Common Name: Vanilla CO2 – organic (12% vanillin)
Scientific Name: Vanilla planifolia
Botanical Family: Orchidaceae
Cultivation: Organic – NOP
Extraction Process: Carbon Dioxide Total extraction
Plant Part: Pods (dried and aged)
Plant Description: Native to Mexico and Central America; cultivated commercially in Réunion, Madagascar, Tahiti, Comoros, the Seychelles, Mexico, East Africa, Indonesia, and southern India. Vanilla planifolia, technically an orchid, is a perennial climbing vine that grows to a length of 20 feet or more (up to 85 feet), commonly trained to grow up trellises or the trunks of tall plants or trees, with large leathery alternating leaves and creamy white to yellow trumpet-shaped flowers. The flowers produce green fruits in the shape of “beans” or “pods” 5.5 – 10 inches long that remain on the plant 8 – 9 months to fully ripen. Just before they reach full maturity, the pods are harvested for drying and curing, an intricate process that can take up to 12 months. Enzymes released during the fermentation stage of the process cause crystals of vanillin to eventually form on the outside of the pods as they dry and turn brown, giving rise to the flavor and aroma that is so well known. The greatest portion of all cured Vanilla pods is exported to Europe or the U.S. for extraction. Vanilla oil cannot be steam distilled from the plant material – the pods must be processed with a solvent to yield an absolute of Vanilla, or – in the case of our Vanilla – another method using carbon dioxide. An extracted oil is obtained by pressurizing the air inside a stainless steel chamber containing the chopped Vanilla pods into which gaseous CO2 has been injected. Under these conditions, the CO2 liquefies and becomes a supercritical fluid which pulls the oil from the pods. At the end of the process, the CO2 reverts to a gas, yielding an oil with a dynamic, multifaceted aroma and all its aromatic nuances, including higher top notes and lower base notes when compared to a steam distilled oil from the same plant material. Another advantage is that a pure oil is obtained with no solvent residue and with no or minimal applied heat, providing an oil more true to its natural chemical state and aroma. CO2 total extracts are produced under higher air pressure than CO2 select extracts, capturing all the aromatic molecules, including some of the natural waxes, to yield an oil that in some cases is solid or semi-solid at room temperature; extractions performed with lower air pressure yield a select extract oil that in most cases is liquid at room temperature.
Oil Description: Pale or creamy yellow semi-soft paste-like material, becoming a dense pourable liquid when gently warmed, with a rich, sweet, warm balsamic, and typical vanilla-like aroma. Our organic Vanilla CO2 has a vanillin content of 12%. “Bourbon Vanilla” is the term used for high-grade beans of vanilla planifolia cured and fermented according to the process used on the Bourbon Islands in the Indian Ocean. The Bourbon Vanilla type is characterized by a well-balanced fine and rummy flavor impression without any harsh, woody, burnt or phenolic note.
Historical/Traditional Uses: When Cortés noted that the Aztecs of Mexico used ground vanilla pods to flavor their chocolate, he returned to Spain in1520 with bags of the aromatic brown fruits, igniting a passion for vanilla that raged across Europe. Attempts to grow vanilla plants failed outside of Mexico until it was discovered that only in Mexico does the Melipone bee exist, the only known and very specialized pollinator of vanilla plant flowers. For Vanilla plants grown elsewhere in the world, the flowers are pollinated by hand.
Applications (Uses and Indications): In aromatherapy, Vanilla CO2 extract is indicated for stress-related conditions such as anger, anxiety, nervous tension, and irritability, and is most effective when used in a blend for massage, added to the bath, or inhaled. Vanilla calms and soothes frayed nerves, is useful for dissipating grief and depression, has a powerful effect as an aphrodisiac, and is helpful in cases of frigidity and impotence. Its delightful aroma conveys security, thus it is an excellent calming and comforting scent for children. In perfumery, Vanilla CO2 extract, much easier to work with than Vanilla absolute, has excellent fixative properties and is considered a base to middle note that blends well with balsam of Peru, benzoin, bergamot, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, cocao absolute, fir balsam, lavandin, lavender, lemon, lime, mandarin, neroli, nutmeg, orange, rose, sandalwood, vetiver, and ylang ylang. Use sparingly, or as a dilution as Vanilla can easily overpower and dominate a perfume blend.
Contraindications (Safety and Precautions): Vanilla CO2 extract is non-irritating and non- toxic; may cause skin sensitization in some individuals.
Standard Safety Precautions: Always dilute essential oils before using. Keep essential oils out of the eyes and mucous membranes; in case of contact, DO NOT use water, instead place a drop or two of vegetable oil on a tissue to gently wipe out of eye or off area of contact. In severe cases, seek professional help immediately. Keep out of the reach of children. In case of ingestion, call 911 immediately. The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. No claims are made as to any medicinal value of this or any products from Ancient Ways Botanicals. The information presented here is for educational purposes of traditional uses and is not intended to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. For external use only. You are responsible for understanding the safe application of these products.