Why is it hard to find real vanilla in Mexico?

Published September 10, 2023

Why is it hard to get real vanilla in Mexico?

On my first visit to Papantla, in the north of Veracruz, I saw vanilla everywhere – plants, beans, extracts and more besides. Back in Mexico City, I was surprised that it was nearly impossible to find, even in pastry supply businesses. This situation has not improved all that much in 20 years.

So why is it so much harder to find real vanilla, especially compared to some of Mexico’s other delicacies like chocolate, avocados and chapulines (grasshoppers)?

Perhaps the reason is that it is “plain ol’ vanilla,” an ingredient in so many things, but hardly any preparation that absolutely defines it as “Mexican.”

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