Ever wonder what the “Bourbon” in Bourbon Vanilla Extract refers to? The alcohol content connection might make you think it has something to do with bourbon whiskey, but the truth is that the two are only indirectly related: both Bourbon County, the birthplace of bourbon whiskey, and Île Bourbon, an old name of an island where vanilla is famously harvested, are named for the House of Bourbon, the former ruling family of France. In fact, only vanilla harvested from islands in the Indian Ocean, like Île Bourbon (now known as Réunion) can be called Bourbon Vanilla. And that’s precisely what you’ll find in each bottle of Trader Joe’s Organic Pure Bourbon Vanilla Extract.

Bold, full-flavored, and grown using organic certified practices, this Pure Bourbon Vanilla Extract is ideal for use in making your favorite baked goods, stirring into frostings or icings, or even dropping a bit into smoothies, pancake mixes, or oatmeal. Because it’s made with pure Bourbon Vanilla, its intense vanilla aromatics and flavor are accompanied by a few finer, more delicate notes, like cream and even a bit of spice, making it a must- have for veteran and neophyte home bakers alike.