Mexican Vanilla

[jcota]

Ok so I am going to Cozumel next July. I don't know what we are planning to do but does anyone know where the closest place around the port there is to get some Mexican vanilla?

 

[TheRichFam]

Just got back from Coz on the Fantasy this year. It is literally difficult to find a place within walking distance of the port that DOESNT sell Mexi vanilla. The terminal at Coz specifically takes you off the ship and through a shopping plaza. I'd guess 75% of the stores in the plaza have vanilla and tequila. (And vanilla flavored tequila!). I'm a foodie and can say without blinking the mexi vanilla we bought is the best vanilla I've ever tasted. Just make sure you get the legit stuff an not some crappy knock off.

 

[MouseMomx2]

Make sure you investigate each brand thoroughly. A lot of Mexican vanilla (especially the bottles that seem like a great bargain) contain coumarin, which is toxic to the liver and kidneys.

 

[n8nally]

Just got back from Coz on the Fantasy this year. It is literally difficult to find a place within walking distance of the port that DOESNT sell Mexi vanilla. The terminal at Coz specifically takes you off the ship and through a shopping plaza. I'd guess 75% of the stores in the plaza have vanilla and tequila. (And vanilla flavored tequila!). I'm a foodie and can say without blinking the mexi vanilla we bought is the best vanilla I've ever tasted. Just make sure you get the legit stuff an not some crappy knock off.

How can you tell its not a crappy knock-off?

 

[jdb in AZ]

How can you tell its not a crappy knock-off?

The label should say pure vanilla instead of imitation vanilla.

 

[TXDisGurl]

I recently moved here to Coz. Walk 5-10 minutes down the road to either Mega or Chedraui stores and buy it there. It's cheaper, it just doesn't have the pretty packaging. Do look and make sure it's the pure vs imitation vanilla.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

I recently moved here to Coz. Walk 5-10 minutes down the road to either Mega or Chedraui stores and buy it there. It's cheaper, it just doesn't have the pretty packaging. Do look and make sure it's the pure vs imitation vanilla.

I love Mega! Very convenient and fun because its like going to a Walmart or Target at home but then again it's not.

 

[TheRichFam]

How can you tell its not a crappy knock-off?

Agree with PP. It'll be labeled as such and it NEEDS to say coumarin free (I may have spelled that wrongly, but I think I'm at least close!)

 

[n8nally]

Thanks!

 

[ambula603]

Bumping this up as I am looking for good Mexican vanilla on our cruise next week. I assume it will be easy to find?

 

[hrhdhd]

Yes, it's everywhere.

 

[Calantha]

Yes, it's everywhere.

Good to know. I just bought some Madagascar Vanilla at Whole Foods and almost cried at the price. Will definitely look for some when we are there next year.

 

[hrhdhd]

Good to know. I just bought some Madagascar Vanilla at Whole Foods and almost cried at the price. Will definitely look for some when we are there next year.

America's Test Kitchen has done several vanilla/imitation vanilla comparisons and finds that generally, the imitation stuff is fine or better. Here's one link:

https://www.americastestkitchen.com/cooksillustrated/articles/6680-imitation-vs-pure-vanilla-extract

This video is fun:

 

[elsawasajedi]

OP just save yourself the hassle and order Mexican vanilla from the spice house online.

 

[Minniemoo15]

We got some at the Mega store near the port. I have no idea how the price compared but I hate haggling so this was best option for us.

 

[tinkerone]

We got some at the Mega store near the port. I have no idea how the price compared but I hate haggling so this was best option for us.

I love the Mega store. Even though it's just a Mexican Walmart/Target, it's very interesting. I would also tend to agree with you, it's probably the best price you could get.
If you are buying vanilla at one of the shops, don't buy it from the first store you pass. They will try and get you to do so however the farther down the street you get, the less it costs for the same product. Believe me, vanilla is all over the place.

 

[randumb0]

Am I that naive? In my time in Cozumel I never noticed anything vanilla related

 

[tinkerone]

Am I that naive? In my time in Cozumel I never noticed anything vanilla related

It's only the liquid vanilla, not the beans. I have looked and asked but they don't sell the beans, sadly. As for the liquid vanilla, it is in every store. Other than jewelry stores, you can't walk into one that doesn't have it front and center. Heck, I don't enter jewelry stores so they may just sell it as well, lol.

 

[auntlynne]