Beavers' secretions can create taste similar to vanilla in baked goods

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Sept. 15 (UPI) -- Anal secretions from beavers can be used in baked goods to create a taste that resembles vanilla, The Swedish National Food Agency said.

The agency confirmed the use of the anal passages after rumors about the beaver's secretions circulated on the Internet, The Local.se reported.

"Natural aromas can be extracts from plants, fungi, and in some cases animals." Ulla Beckman Sundh, an agency representative reported.

But she said the beaver will likely not become a common source of vanilla, as the supply is limited because the beaver is not bred.

Beavers were wiped out in Sweden in the 19th century, but the population has grown to 100,000 after the animal was imported, The Local.se said.