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Vanilla that isn't so, well, vanilla.

21 August 2015

Meet the newest additions to our baking section, LAFAZA Vanilla Extract and Ground Vanilla. Made with sustainably harvested Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans, these vanilla products are rich, full-bodied and anything but, well, vanilla. 

Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract

lafaza vanilla extract 4ozWhile most vanilla extracts take only a couple days to make, LAFAZA Vanilla Extract is crafted slowly over a two-week-long steeping process, which results in a complex extract with deep, warm notes of Madagascar bourbon vanilla. It lends a nuanced sweetness and adds depth to traditional baked goods and sweets—from cookies and cakes to custards and ice cream. Adventure beyond the oven and mix up your own cream soda or add a couple of drops to a bourbon-based cocktail like an Old-Fashioned or a Bourbon Fizz. 

Madagascar Bourbon Ground Vanilla

lafaza vanilla ground 1ozLAFAZA Pure Ground Vanilla is just that—pure ground bourbon vanilla beans without any fillers. Whole vanilla beans are slowly dried in the sun and ground to create a concentrated powder that captures all the flavor of a vanilla bean in an easy-to-use format. This aromatic powder is a wonderful addition to baked goods and sweets, but is equally delicious used in savory preparations like meat rubs and marinades, or added to pan sauces for wild game.Or make your own vanilla-scented coffee by adding a spoonful to coffee grounds before brewing.

 

Expert tip from LAFAZA: 1 vanilla bean = 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or1 1/2 teaspoons ground vanilla

 

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Madagascar-Grown, From Oakland with Love

The Story of LAFAZA

la faza farmers madagascar

LAFAZA works directly with rural vanilla farmers in Madagascar - Photo courtesy of LAFAZA

 

Nathaniel Delafield and Sarah Osterhoudt, two of the founders of LAFAZA, had no idea what journey awaited them when they first traveled to Madagascar for the Peace Corps.  After working closely with local vanilla and clove farmers, the duo fell in love with Madagascar, the people and the fragrant crops they were growing. Unfortunately, the farmers in the area were struggling to sell their vanilla for fair prices. Inspired by these hardworking communities, Nathaniel and Sarah began to develop a sustainable, direct-trade model that would benefit the farmers with fair compensation and protect the forests and the environment. 

Nathaniel and Sarah joined forces with Nathaniel’s brother, James, and together started bringing vanilla to the United States. Thus LAFAZA was born. The Oakland, California-based company first started selling vanilla beans and making vanilla extract, then expanded their line to include ground vanilla. As their business continues to grow, the three are committed to staying true to their founding principles—forests, farmers and of course, flavor.