Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe - The Recipe Critic (2024)

FAQs

Is it worth making your own vanilla extract? ›

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.

typically contains around 35 to 40% alcohol by volume. Compare that to vodka, which is typically 40% alcohol. In many places, vanilla extract is considered a food product. and is available even if you're not legal drinking age.

Madagascar vanilla is a great choice vanilla bean for making vanilla extract. The aroma of vanilla from Madagascar is just what most people expect when it comes to vanilla beans. Rich, buttery, creamy, with little notes of smokiness and soft cocoa undertones.

Answer #2: Alcohol is normal. Remember that all "Pure" extracts are required to have a minimum 35% alcohol content, which is just as much alcohol that is in hard liquor. Alcohol is needed for extraction.

Re-fillable: Once you run out of vanilla, refill the bottle with Vodka and use the beans for another batch (they will last for up to two batches). Also, the vanilla extract wont expire as long as it's stored in a cool, dry place.

Vodka is the preferred alcohol for extractions like this, as its flavor is neutral and does not compete with that of the vanilla beans.

Insert a small funnel into the opening of the bottle or jar you are using and fill with 1 cup of vodka (8-ounces) for every 5-6 beans. By weight it should be at least . 83 ounces of vanilla beans per 8 ounces of alcohol.

We reuse them at least once, and will stuff more beans into the bottle for subsequent batches so they contribute somewhat, eventually pulling them out when they become visibly faded and tossing them in with sugar to make vanilla-scented sugar.

The standard requires that the total flavoring principles be extracted from the vanilla beans using an aqueous ethyl alcohol solution containing at least 35% alcohol and that the final extract be composed of the vanilla constituents suspended in aqueous ethyl alcoholy. u 21 CFR §169.3(b) and (c).

Can you use 10 year old vanilla extract? ›

Pure vanilla extract (the kind made with real vanilla beans and at least 35 percent alcohol) has an indefinite shelf life. unless it's been stored improperly.

Bitters are technically alcoholic, and they're usually between 35% to 45% ABV. Because they're sold in such small bottles and their flavor is so strong, most recipes call for just a dash or a few drops, making its overall alcohol contribution negligible, and why you don't need to be 21 or older to buy them.

Double-fold (2X) vanilla extracts are made with twice the quantity of vanilla beans used for the same volume of single-fold extract. This results in a more concentrated (double-strength) extract. Pure vanilla extract. No artificial flavors or preservatives added.

You can leave the vanilla beans in the bottles indefinitely and continue to top up the jar with alcohol as you use the extract. Alternatively, you can make vanilla sugar with the used vanilla beans. Place the old vanilla beans in some granulated sugar to infuse the sugar with vanilla flavors.

If it's that sweet vanilla flavor you're after, simply buy a bottle of imitation extract from the store. But if you're looking for a more complex, balanced vanilla flavor and aroma, it's worth reaching for pure vanilla extract. Or…it may be worth making your own.

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. What is the shelf life of my vanilla beans?

The bottom line

Despite generally being used in small amounts, vanilla extract can enhance the flavor of your favorite dessert. Because vanilla extract is made from pure vanilla beans, it has a stronger, more complex flavor than vanilla essence, which is cheaper but artificially flavored.