Vanilla extract is very useful cooking and baking product. It is widely used in preparing foods, mostly desserts like cakes, custards, pudding, ice cream, and so on.
The aroma of vanilla along with its exceptional flavor is truly hard to ignore. But the production of vanilla extract is very limited and isn’t available in the market all year round.
Therefore, making vanilla extract by yourself can be a rescuer in this regard. So, here you will find the best recipes and tips to make vanilla extract at home.
How are the Commercial Vanilla Extracts Made?
Most commercial vanilla extracts are produced from a pod of an orchid harvested in Madagascar. Therefore, the pressure of supplying vanilla extract to the whole population of the world is exerted upon that one area.
Therefore, if any severe weather change impacts the harvest, it affects the supply of vanilla extracts throughout the world. And that is why, at certain times of the year, the production and sale of vanilla extract reduces in the market or the prices reach sky high.
Why Should You Make Vanilla Extract at Home?
Vanilla extracts might not be one of the most expensive items in the world. But its price fluctuating isn’t ignorable either. That is why making vanilla extract at home is a very cost-effective solution.
Moreover, commercially produced vanilla extracts aren’t strong or flavorful. Hence, one more advantage of making vanilla extract at home is to control the strength of the vanilla extract.
Single Fold vs. Double Fold Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extracts can be divided into two different types depending on the flavor. If you are into the weaker strength of the vanilla extracts, then you should go for the single fold. But if you like a stronger flavor, then the double fold is for you.
Single Fold: This is the most common type of vanilla extract. Most vanilla extracts manufactured commercially are single-fold. They are very weak in flavor and require 13 ounces of vanilla beans per gallon of alcohol or glycerin.
Double Fold: This is simply double the quantity of single-fold vanilla extracts. This has a very strong vanilla flavor and a dense aroma. It requires 23 ounces of vanilla beans per gallon of alcohol or glycerin.
Alcoholic vs. Non-alcoholic Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extracts come in two different recipes and ingredients. One with alcohol and one without it. While the alcoholic extract is raw and stronger in flavor, non-alcoholic vanilla extracts made of glycerin are slightly sweeter.
DIY Alcoholic Vanilla Extract Recipe
Alcoholic vanilla extract is the most commonly made vanilla extract recipe. Since it is the easiest method to extract the flavor of vanilla.
Ingredients
- 5-6 Vanilla Beans
- 80 proof Vodka/Bourbon/Brandy/Rum
- 8-ounce Bottle or Jar with a Tight Seal
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Divide the vanilla beans into halves with a sharp knife to reveal the seeds.
Step 2: Place the exposed beans into a jar. If it doesn’t fit in the jar, cut it short and place it fully inside the jar.
Step 3: Pour vodka or other alcoholic substance into the jar and fill it to the brim. Assemble the vanilla beans and soak them thoroughly in vodka.
Step 4: Cover the jar tightly with a lid and then shake well.
Step 5: Preserve the solution for at least 3 to 6 months in a cool and dark place. And keep shaking it from time to time.
Step 6: Since the vanilla bean seeds are exposed to the solution, they will mix with the content of the bottle and be added to the food when you use the liquid.
Even though it adds a more intense flavor to the extract, if you want to exclude it, you can strain the solution with a cheesecloth before preserving it.
What Kind of Alcohol will be Best?
The most popular alcohol for making vanilla extract is 80 proof vodka. Because it’s very versatile with a neutral flavor. But instead of vodka, any other alcohol would work as long as it’s 80 proof, including bourbon, brandy, or even rum.
Moreover, you don’t need to use any expensive alcohol to make a better vanilla extract because it really won’t affect its quality. The quality of the vanilla beans is the only thing that matters.
Refilling the Alcoholic Vanilla Extract
One of the advantages of making alcoholic vanilla extracts at home is that every time you use the vanilla extract, it can be refilled with more vodka or other alcohol as long as the beans are inside the jar. All you need to do is to shake well after refilling.
This will make your vanilla extract last much longer. Worried about the flavor getting weak after refilling? Let us assure you that there will be no changes in the flavor for about 1 year or more of frequent refilling until the beans get slimy.
And if it happens, just change the vanilla beans and add fresh ones to the solution.
DIY Non-alcoholic Vanilla Extract Recipe
If you don’t prefer having an alcohol solution to prepare your vanilla extract, there is also a non-alcoholic option with glycerin instead of alcohol. Try it!
Ingredients
- 5 Vanilla Beans
- Food-grade vegetable glycerin
- Water
- 8-ounce Bottle or Jar with a Tight Seal
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: With a sharp knife split the vanilla beans in half so that the seeds are visible and exposed.
Step 2: Place the exposed beans into a jar. If it doesn’t fit in the jar, cut it short and then place it inside the jar.
Step 3: Fill the jar with glycerin and water with a ratio of 3:1. Make sure the vanilla beans are fully submerged into the solution. If needed add the vanilla beans after pouring the liquids into the jar. But then, there’s a chance of spilling the liquid solution.
Step 4: Cover the jar tightly with a lid and shake well.
Step 5: Preserve the solution for at least 2 to 3 months in a cool and dark place. And keep shaking it from time to time.
Step 6: Since the vanilla bean seeds are exposed they will mix with the solution in the bottle and eventually be added to the food.
It may add a more intense flavor to the extract, to reduce it, strain the solution with a cheesecloth before preserving.
Why Should You Skip the Alcohol?
Alcohol isn’t a suitable ingredient for everyone. Especially for children, aged people, and patients with weak liver or any other diseases. That’s why it is necessary to have a substitute for alcohol.
Moreover, many people might find the flavor of alcohol a little disturbing or rough to take. On the other hand, glycerine is not only simple but also way cheaper than alcohol.
Why Should You Avoid Non-Glycerin Recipes?
Non-alcoholic vanilla extract recipes that don’t include glycerin are generally made with only water and vanilla seeds. They might sound like a good option since you can skip an ingredient that might add to the cost.
But the problem is, such vanilla extracts do not have any preserving agent to make the solution last longer without any refrigerator. Therefore, it will soon produce bacteria and become harmful if used in the food. Even if you store it in a refrigerator, it won’t last more than a few months.
Which Vanilla Beans are Best?
Generally, there are three types of most popular vanilla beans. Among them, the Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Beans with long-lasting sweet and mellow creamy flavor is the most popular one.
Along with it, Tahitian vanilla beans with a cherry-like and licorice flavor, and Mexican vanilla beans with a woody clove and nutmeg flavor are also quite popular and well-accepted.
Grade A vs. Grade B Vanilla Beans
Among Grade A and B vanilla beans, Grade B produces more flavor and is perfect for extracting. Whereas, Grade A is generally a better option for cooking. Also, Grade B vanilla beans are generally less costly than Grade A beans.
However, homemade vanilla extracts can be made with Grade A vanilla beans as well.
FAQs
How to Store the Vanilla Extract?
Vanilla Extracts should be stored in a cool and dry place. So that heat and light can’t reach it. Since it might turn the vanilla extract cloudy.
What Kind of Jars Should You Use to Store Vanilla Extract?
It is better to store the vanilla extracts in dark glass jars to protect them from light and heat.
How Long can Vanilla Extract be Preserved?
You should remember that the more you preserve it, the better results you’ll get from it. If you can preserve it for a year, then the flavor will be best. But at least 6 months are preferred for a good flavor.
Can You Reuse Vanilla Beans?
Yes, you can reuse the beans to make another batch but it might not be as intense as the first one. It’s best to reuse a vanilla bean by making vanilla sugar from it.
Can You Add Other Flavors with Vanilla Extract?
Yes, if you want to, you can add almond, orange, or lemon extracts to enhance the flavor of the vanilla extract.
Is Vanilla Extract Vegan?
Yes, vanilla extracts are vegan and it is available and supported in all vegan-friendly countries.
Making a homemade vanilla extract doesn’t look like a tough job, does it? All you need is patience to wait for a long time to use it. But if you still find it difficult, you can try alternatives to vanilla extract. Such as almond extract, maple syrup, and so on. Good luck!
