Vanilla is an orchid native to Mexico but shady practices and dubious sourcing have made cooks weary of Mexican extracts. Our Pure Mexican Vanilla Extract is sourced by Patricia Rain, a renowned authority of things vanilla. The alcohol (required by the US government) is distilled from piloncillo, an unrefined sugar key to so many Mexican sweets. There is no funny stuff or additives, just pure vanilla flavor. 4 ounce bottle.