The only recommended Mexican vanilla brand available in Mexico that I know of is Orlando Gaya Hijos, which has limited distribution. That doesn't mean there aren't other acceptable brands, but it's hard to be sure.

Most Mexican vanilla labeled "real vanilla" isn't (It's synthetic.) and a lot of Mexican vanilla labeled "Coumarin free" has it. Mexico has labeling laws but they aren't enforced and the cost benefit of mis-labeling synthetic vanilla with coumarin and selling to the tourist trade is so great a lot of bottlers do it.

So actually, buying Mexican vanilla in the U.S. is a much safer bet.

This is the brand I buy. I'm sure other Forum members will have their favorites to recommend too. This company sells both from their site and on ebay. Sometimes the ebay prices are better. If there's a 20% discount and/or free shipping, the site is better.

Carol

Here is a link that might be useful: Arizona Vanilla Company

I buy it from Penzey's Spices. If you don't have one nearby, buy it online. I buy a huge 16 oz. bottle for about $32.

Thanks Carol and Sheshebop. I could have sworn that I saw the Azteca online but now I can't find it.
Does anyone else have a favorite?
Thanks

I've liked and used the Mexican Vanilla from
Nielsen-Massey Mexican Vanilla

and I received a bottle of Mexican Vanilla from from the Blue Cattle Truck Trading Co. as a gift, and I liked it very much.

Anyone know how come Mexican Vanilla has added sugar? Both the Nielsen-Massey does and the Blue Truck brand. Tahitian and Bourbon don't list sugar as an ingredient, I'm pretty sure.

Lynne:
Do you know a friend who is going to Mexico, who you could ask to bring you back a bottle.

My daughters always bring me a bottle of Azteca, when they
go on a vacation.
LOU

Arizona Vanilla's product can be purchased with or without sugar. I saw the same option with another company's Mexican vanilla, but my brain's just gone blank. If I remember I'll post it too.

Carol

Carol: Your mind will never go blank. I wish you could read 1 Hour a day , for me,
and transfer it into my Brains, Computer. Only problem is it don't have much Memory.
Lou

I don't know if they have Mexican vanilla or not, but here's a link to a great place to buy vanilla beans, vanilla extract and saffron. I received my order in 3 days and at $15 for a half pound, they're very reasonably priced. I think I got 65 beans or so in the 1/2 lb 'gourmet pack.' Needless to say, they'll last me for a while!

Bri

Here is a link that might be useful: Vanilla Saffron Imports

Lou, you are a smooth talker, LOL.

Golden Gate (previous link) does carry Mexican vanilla. I haven't ordered from them but I've been thinking about their saffron. I've read really good reviews of their products.

Carol

Here is a link that might be useful: Golden Gate Vanilla

I think you need to plan a trip to Mexico so you can get some. I'd recommend a place on the ocean with a nice resort. After all, you want a few days to do some serious comparison shopping and tasting, right? It's important, when testing vanilla, to clear your palate between each test. The best way to clear your palate it to lay on a lounge chair by a pool and drink several pina coladas. Let me know how your trip turns out. Oh, and don't forget to get the vanilla!

Thanks everyone. I think Karen's is the most fun suggestion. My neighbor is going to Cancun in the fall, but I'd really like some better tasting cookies before then. I did a trial batch of spritz cookies with her Azteca vanilla, and they turned out much better than the standard vanilla that you can buy here. If I try any other brands, I'll let you know.
Lynne

I found Azteca Vainilla online at :

http://mexicoetal.com/en/Consan/Ingredients/AZTEC-VANILLA-Dark-500ML.html

I've used it for a few years now and it is DEFINITELY my favorite.

Here is a link that might be useful: Buy Azteca Vanilla Online

Orlando Gaya Hijos is a great Mexican Vanilla. I have been using this brand for a while... and now I found it at amazon... There are 3 sizes.

http://www.amazon.com/Gaya-Authentic-Mexican-Vanilla-Extract/dp/B002CSMXEE