Some time ago, Nanette suggested that Hawaiian vanilla has a perfect flavor for cream soda. This Saturday, she was presented with a bottle of the stuff by Jeanne Vana at the North Shore Farms booth. No heirloom tomatoes yet (they're expected in July), but Jeanne is carrying other things until her vines recover from April's heavy rains. Meanwhile, Wailua Soda Works has a new made-in-Hawaii product with a distinctive flavor.

We found the soda to be sweet and with a pronounced vanilla flavor. No trouble recommending this one. Be on the lookout for it. We found Wailua Soda Works sodas in various flavors today at R. Fields inside Foodland Beretania, but not yet the Vanilla Cream.

The story of Hawaiian vanilla has been featured on TV. The Hawaiian Vanilla Company website is well worth a visit to learn more about its production and distinct flavor. The best way to learn about it is, of course, to buy a bottle of vanilla extract or some vanilla beans at the KCC market and use it in your own cooking.