Vanilla Extract Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How to make high quality vanilla extract? ›

You only need 2 ingredients for homemade vanilla extract: vanilla beans and vodka. Let the vanilla beans infuse the vodka for as little as 8 weeks, but for optimal flavor, wait at least 6-12 months before using. Homemade vanilla is more cost efficient than store-bought options. You can try homemade vanilla sugar too.

The standard for pure vanilla extract is 1 oz. of vanilla beans (by weight) per 8 fl. oz. (1 cup) of alcohol.

As the vanilla extract sits, it will get darker. You want the beans to soak in the alcohol for at least 2 months before using it. The flavor will only get better with time. Make up several batches of vanilla extract at once so you never have to wait for a batch to brew.

Grade A Vanilla Beans

So, if you see the words gourmet, prime, or luxury this is what they are referring to. Grade A beans have a higher content of moisture and a more oily surface. It has the most concentrated taste out of the two different grades and is considered to be purer.

A bit of simple math reveals that homemade vanilla extract is the more economical choice. Say you buy two 4-ounce bottles of the good vanilla extract from the grocery store every year. If each jar costs $18, that's $180 over a five-year span.

By FDA standards, pure vanilla extract contains a minimum of 35 percent alcohol, the same proof as Captain Morgan rum. You can't buy it in liquor stores, but it's sold in grocery stores and for many, it is a household staple.

What is the shelf life of my vanilla extract? When stored properly, vanilla extract will keep indefinitely, but using it within five years will allow for best flavor and aroma. Do not refrigerate or freeze, even after opening.

The best part is, once your vanilla runs out, you can refill the bottle with vodka, using the same used vanilla beans (they last for two batches).

Can you reuse vanilla beans after making extract? ›

After one year, in our experience, much of the flavor has been extracted, maybe even most of the flavor. But there is still some value. We have had positive experiences taking our one-year old vanilla beans and starting a new extract with them, but adding 50% new vanilla beans.

Mexican Pure Vanilla Extract is made from premium, hand-selected beans cultivated in Mexico, the original birthplace of the vanilla plant. Our proprietary cold extraction process gently draws out and preserves the vanilla's more than 300 flavor compounds, resulting in one of the world's most exceptional vanillas.

Strain (only if you want to)

At this point, you're almost ready to bake or give your homemade vanilla extract away as a gift. You can strain it to remove any bits of the bean that you don't want floating around in the jar.

Ultimately, vanilla is a difficult flavor to replace, and having a homemade vanilla extract on hand will help elevate your cooking. You may be best to just leave it out if you don't have any. “I usually don't try to replace vanilla extract,” Enjaian said. “Honestly, if I don't have vanilla, I just leave it out.

In conclusion; In short, alcohol is the most effective way to extract the true flavour from the vanilla bean that you love in your baking.

Anything over 80 proof is fine and makes a lovely extract. It's true, though, that the higher the proof, the more vanilla essence will be extracted into the liquid.

Combined with the hot, humid climate and rich soil, hand pollination by the country's skilled and patient farmers has enabled Madagascar to become the world's top vanilla producer in both quantity and quality.

Bourbon vanilla beans are the most popular type of vanilla, resulting from their clear and creamy flavor and the fact that Madagascar is the world's top producer of vanilla. These vanilla beans are the thinnest of the four types and also have the most flavor.