Vanilla essence is a flavoring derived from the vanilla bean, which comes from the vanilla orchid. It is commonly used in baking and cooking to add a sweet, aromatic flavor to various dishes, including desserts like cakes, cookies, and ice cream. There are two main types of vanilla essence: pure and artificial. Pure vanilla essence is made by extracting flavor compounds from real vanilla beans, while artificial vanilla essence is synthesized from chemicals to mimic the flavor. Both types can enhance the taste of food, but pure vanilla essence is often preferred for its natural flavor profile.