In most countries, vanilla flavoring is available as an extract, essence and flavoring. And they’re not the same. If you’re from the U.S., it’s likely that you haven’t heard of the word ...

Are there beaver secretions in your vanilla ice cream ... castoreum extract, and castoreum liquid, according to the latest edition of Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients.

Keep in mind, though, that while vanilla extract doesn't expire, its potent flavor can fade over time. Therefore, it's best to use your homemade vanilla extract within five years. When replacing ...

Castoreum, a substance from sacs near a beaver’s anus, has been used in human products for more than 2,000 years. Some wonder if it's still an ingredient on today's grocery shelves.