Today, we're focusing on two of the most popular forms of vanilla — pure vanilla extract and imitation vanilla (also known as vanilla essence). Both pure vanilla and imitation vanilla have their ...

In the 1980s, cheaper artificial vanilla overtook the market. Vanilla farmers cut back production because they weren't making enough money. But around 2011, demand for real vanilla rose again.

Some vanilla ice creams are made with vanilla extract (derived from vanilla beans) or imitation vanilla flavoring (made with synthetic vanillin, the compound that gives vanilla its flavor).