Want to make vanilla extract straight from home? We will explain step by step how to make homemade vanilla extract.
To make this you only need vodka, vanilla bean and some tips and tricks, check out our review!
Well, if you already know how to make vanilla extract at home, then you will see that homemade is cheaper and the aroma is more impressive. Plus, it’s easy to make homemade vanilla extract. Interestingly, this vanilla extract has no expiration date.
You can use this vanilla extract to make cakes, scones, french toast, and many more ideas that you can develop with this vanilla extract.
Actually, making your own vanilla extract is very impressive and there are several reasons why we should make this extract ourselves. OK, some of them are:
Save money: Store-bought vanilla extract can cost as much as $4 per ounce.
Refillable: If you’ve run out of vanilla extract, then you can refill the bottle with vodka and use the nuts to make another batch. This vanilla extract will not expire as long as it is properly stored, it must be stored in a cool and dry place.
It can be used as a gift for friends, neighbors, or as a birthday present.
What you’ll need:
Table of Contents
To make vanilla extract, you need the following ingredients!
Vanilla beans: Use grade B of Madagascar vanilla beans. You can also use Tahitian, Mexican nuts if you like. Vanilla beans are easy to find, they are usually found in the baking aisle, or you can buy them online.
It should be noted that the vanilla bean must be of higher quality than the alcohol. So in making this vanilla extract you don’t have to buy expensive bottles of liquor.
Alcohol: The alcohol used must be 80% proof vodka. You can also use brandy, rum, bourbone and rum.
A glass jar is useful for adding vanilla. Also prepare a glass jar. This jar is for adding vanilla, if you want to give a gift to a friend, then using a 4 oz glass jar is perfect for you.
About the Vanilla Beans
What Grade of Vanilla Beans is best for Extract?
To make vanilla extract usually use grade B beans. This will produce a strong flavor and can be economical. But if you want to use grade A, this can also be used.
What’s the difference between Grade A and Grade B vanilla beans?
Grade A is the more expensive vanilla bean, it’s about 25% moisture, so if you make it from grade A beans, the flavor is easily lost. If your recipe for making vanilla extract calls for you to scrape the inside of the vanilla bean, or need to incorporate it into a sauce or batter, then your best bet is to use grade A of vanilla beans.
While grade B beans are cheaper with less than 25% moisture. This means they won’t lose their flavor easily. When you use grade B in making vanilla extract, you will find a strong taste, this is the right choice for long term infusion.
In terms of quantity, both are the same whether grade A or B.
Madagascar, Tahitian, or Mexican Vanilla beans, which is the best?
If you want to know which is the best among these three types of vanilla bean. Then pay attention to the following.
– Madagascar Vanilla Beans: A very common flavor and the most widely used variant in making vanilla extract.
– Tahitian Vanilla Beans: Tastes a bit like cherry and anise flavors
– Mexican Vanilla Beans: This type has a nutmeg and clove-like aroma.
Checkout more:
How to make Vanilla Extract
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1. Cut the vanilla beans: Use a sharp knife to easily split the vanilla beans into slits.
2. Add vanilla seeds in a jar and add vodka. Vanilla beans should be cut in half so that they are the right size and completely submerged in the jar. After inserting it, close the jar well.
3. Let it Rest! The vanilla extract needs rest so it can really enhance the taste. The longer you leave it, the darker the color will be, and the most important thing is that the longer you keep it, the better the taste will be. My advice is you should wait for 6 months before using it.
Pro Tips:
Use a dark or clear glass bottle, if you use a clear bottle, then store it in a dark place.
Make sure the vanilla pod is completely submerged in the vodka alcohol.
For a nice, pleasant taste, use 4-5 vanilla beans, and use up to 1 cup of alcohol.
Ingredients
- 10 Vanilla Madagascar beans, Grade B , (or Tahitian or Mexican beans, if preferred)
- 2 cups Vodka 80 proof (or brandy, rum, bourbon, for different flavor)
- Vanilla Extract Printable Labels , optional
Instructions
The ingredients you need are a jar, alcohol (vodka), and vanilla beans, you need 4-5 beans, use one cup of alcohol. Cut slits in the vanilla beans with a sharp knife, doing it carefully.
Place the vanilla beans in the jar, cut in half so all the vanilla beans can be submerged in the alcohol. Fill with vodka and cover well, then shake gently.
Make a label on the jar, store at least two months before use. But if you want the best taste, we recommend storing it for 6 months to 12 months.
If it's almost finished, you can add more vodka to it, use the same beans for one more batc
Notes
Bottles/Jars: The 4 oz glass jars are perfect for sharing with friends on their birthdays.
Nutrition:
Calories: 77kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Fat: 1g, and Sodium: 1mg
