December 17, 2024, 3:07 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Vanilla crescents, vanilla ice cream, vanilla perfume – the sweet, sweet smell of the vanilla pod is omnipresent. But where does the preference for the scent of the orchid plant actually come from? Allegedly from the mother’s milk. This is because it is said to have a subtle vanilla flavor. STYLEBOOK takes a closer look at this bizarre theory.
Vanilla as far as the eye and nose can see! Whether in baked goods, cosmetics, or perfumes – it is impossible to imagine everyday life without the sweet and lovely scent of vanilla. Hardly any other fragrance component inspires as many people as the scent of spiced vanilla. Sometimes spicy and oriental, sometimes sweet and warm – vanilla has many facets.
Does Breast Milk Smell of Vanilla?
Even newborn babies have a preference for sweet things. Babies intuitively turn their heads towards their mother’s nipples and start sucking. They like breast milk straight away, which is partly due to the fact that the energy-rich milk tastes sweet and is said to have a vanilla flavor. The taste and smell of vanilla is subconsciously memorized, and we associate it with family security; it triggers memories, and we associate positive things with it. “Because breast milk contains vanilla fragrances, the first things we associate with it are care, nourishment, warmth, and closeness to the body,” says psychologist and neuroscientist Rachel Herz in an interview with the American magazine Allure.
The Spicy Vanilla from Madagascar
Belonging to the orchid family, spice vanilla is an evergreen climbing plant. It is native to Madagascar and the neighboring islands of Comoros and La Réunion. The vanilla pod is the fermented fruit of the plant, and the seeds it contains are used for cooking and baking. To do this, the pod is cut open lengthwise, and the pulp is carefully scraped out. The essential oils are extracted from the pod, often using alcohol, for use in the perfume industry.
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Vanilla in Perfume: 3 Good Fragrances
As a so-called “crowd pleaser,” the scent of vanilla delights both men and women. No wonder that almost every perfume contains vanilla, if not as a top or heart note, then as a base note. And fragrances such as tonka bean are reminiscent of vanilla and bitter almond with their sweet, intense notes. Many people perceive the scent of vanilla as sweet and warm. It is also said to have a calming effect and even relieve headaches, which is why vanilla fragrances are also used in aromatherapy. Men find the scent attractive, feminine, and beguiling, which is why heavy evening fragrances, in particular, often contain a lot of vanilla.
‘Goddess’ by Burberry (30 ml / 45 Euro)
Three vanilla accords come together in “Goddess” by Burberry. In addition to vanilla, in the top, heart and base notes, this heavy fragrance also contains lavender and caviar. It is a modern, feminine fragrance that falls into the gourmand category. It is characterized by its warm and soothing sweetness.
‘Vanilla Sex’ by Tom Ford (30 ml / 215 Euro)
The new fragrance “Vanilla Sex” comes from Tom Ford’s Private Blend collection. Vanilla can also be found here in the top, heart, and base notes, complemented by sandalwood and jasmine, which lend the fragrance a creamy quality. Almonds and marzipan also come through well.
‘Vanilla 28’ by Kayali (50 ml / 94 Euro)
“Vanilla 28” by Kayali is a pure vanilla perfume and was the brand’s first fragrance. The perfume is a luxurious and sensual fragrance that is strongly characterized by sweet, warm, and spicy notes. These are next to the vanilla, absolute tonka bean, ambered wood, musk, and brown sugar. It is reminiscent of freshly baked crescents but, at the same time, has an elegant, oriental aura.