Baskin-Robbins kicks off summer with Triple Vanilla as its June Flavor of the Month. The treat features a combination of their Classic Vanilla, French Vanilla and Vanilla Bean ice cream flavors swirled into one cone or cup, however you prefer it.

While the idea of eating three different vanilla types at once is definitely a fun twist, it did make me wonder what the difference was between the varieties. After an arduous Google search that ultimately led to several Wiki pages on vanilla (and French colonization in Madagascar, go figure), I came to the following conclusion: Plain or "classic" vanilla is flavored by only artificial vanilla extract; French vanilla is made from an egg custard base, which makes it creamier than the former and appear yellow in color; vanilla bean doesn't contain egg but does contain bits of vanilla bean, hence the small dark flecks you see.

Now you know, and you thought this was just a simple update on the latest flavor of the month. Silly you.