The Physics and Chemistry of Surfaces

Abstract

Vanillin (3-methoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde), a major fl avor constituent of vanilla fl avor, accumulates as glucovanillin, a parent compound of vanillin, in the interior of the vanilla pod, where it is synthe- sized by specialized cells.1 Synthesis of glucovanillin ensues when the vanilla pod has reached its maximum size and continues at a rapid rate for three to four months, then tapers off gradually for an addi- tional few months. At the end of the vanilla bean development, glucovanillin is found in the central cavity of the pod in rather large abundance.2 Mature beans then are subjected to a curing process, which releases the free form of vanillin from glucovanillin and enables the development of a compound that makes up the prized vanilla fl avor