Question 1

PURE VANILLA EXTRACT VS IMITATION VANILLA EXTRACT VS ARTIFICIAL VANILLA EXTRACT

Accepted Answer

Before we get to the nitty gritty, you might wonder why I feel so passionately about making this stuff at home rather than buying it, and one thing we must get straight first is that pure vanilla extract (and homemade vanilla extract) is absolutely not the same as imitation vanilla.

Pure vanilla extract or homemade vanilla extract is made exclusively from actual vanilla beans, and imitation vanilla is made from, you guessed it, imitation ingredients.

Artificial vanilla extract is not actually made with vanilla beans. It is made with synthetic vanillin which is extracted from wood pulp.

While the artificial nature of imitation or artificial vanilla extract does make it significantly cheaper to purchase, the taste is not nearly as wonderful and the taste is definitely discernible.

I actually think that homemade vanilla extract can, in fact, be way more cost effective than buying even pure vanilla extract for a few reasons.

Question 2

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF VANILLA IN A RECIPE?

Accepted Answer

I get this question a lot, actually. And I like to explain it like this: vanilla extract is kind of like salt-- it brings out the natural flavors of so many other ingredients, and it’s in a lot more than you think it is.

I’ve actually left vanilla extract out of my chocolate cake once, just because I was “curious” what it would taste like…

Take it from me and don’t do that. You need the vanilla notes to bring out the chocolate ones. It’s the yin and yang of the baking world, you might say.

The problem I have with commercial vanilla extract is that it is so.darn.expensive.

It comes in a teeny tiny bottle that gets used up after a handful of recipes and chances are, you go to measure out the teaspoon that you need and you only have half of a teaspoon left. Womp womp. The worst!

Those bottles are so small, and in a heaving baking season, you can find yourself buying bottle after bottle of that stuff. Because of course, it's hard to find more than just a tiny bottle of it.

Then, what feels like $5,478 later, you might realize that you don't want to take out a loan to fuel your baking habits, so you start to wonder… "Can I do this myself??"

Hi, yes, you can. Welcome to my vanilla extract recipe. Or, "recipe." It's more or less an iPhone note.

Question 3

HOW MANY TIMES CAN I REUSE VANILLA BEANS TO MAKE EXTRACT?

Accepted Answer

You can reuse vanilla beans as long as they still smell like vanilla. As they lose their scent, they will start to smell like nothing. If your beans are no longer very fragrant, it is likely time to replace them.

Question 4

IS IT CHEAPER TO MAKE YOUR OWN VANILLA EXTRACT?

Accepted Answer

While the initial cost of vanilla beans can be high depending on where you get them from, in the long run, it is more cost-effective to make your own extract at home. I find it best to buy vanilla beans in bulk to save money. Store vanilla beans tightly so they don’t dry out.

Question 5

WHY IS MY HOMEMADE VANILLA NOT DARK?

Accepted Answer

Give your extract some more time. While it may not become as dark as commercial extract, it does become darker in color the longer it sits. Give it 6-12 months for full color development.

Question 6

WHAT ARE THE VARIOUS TYPES OF VANILLA BEANS?

Accepted Answer

My favorite are Madagascar vanilla beans because they produce a rich and creamy flavor (think French vanilla).

Others include Mexican vanilla beans, Tahitian vanilla beans, Tongan vanilla beans, and Indian (there is also a whole slew of other varieties– read more than you ever wanted/needed to know about them all from Rodelle).

Each of these beans brings along with is different flavor profiles. No two types of vanilla beans produce the same results, so you are making a good choice regardless of the beans you choose.

Question 7

WHAT GRADE OF BEANS DO I NEED?

Accepted Answer

Then there is the decision between grade A and grade B.

Both are fine to use. Grade B just aren’t as pretty and are used mainly for extracts.

You'd choose grade A if you wanted them to look nice, but honestly, please don't spend the extra money on grade A. Grade B (or lower grade A) is completely fine for homemade vanilla extract. The vanilla flavoring will be the same regardless of the grade.

Question 8

BEST ALCOHOL FOR VANILLA EXTRACT

Accepted Answer

While I prefer vodka or rum for the best flavor, you can use any alcohol to make vanilla extract. Vodka will give you the purest vanilla flavor, while grain alcohol will make the alcohol flavor more potent.

rum

How to make Homemade Vanilla Extract

Bananas Foster Cake

Eggnog Dip

Piña Colada Coconut Macaroons

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