Make your own Pure Vanilla Extract

It really is very simple to make your own pure vanilla extract and more cost effective. Vanilla extracts will keep indefinitely as long as they are stored in a cool dark place such as a pantry or cupboard. Extracts can be made from either Tahitian or Planifolia vanilla beans. Their aroma is quite distinct from each other.

Use these pure vanilla extracts in whatever recipes that calls for vanilla and you won't regret it. This will make the end result taste so much better.

It is quite neat watching little jars of newly made extract turn a darker shade of brown almost daily and the aroma is just divine.



Ingredients
3 vanilla beans
250ml vodka
bottle


Method
1. Split the vanilla beans with a paring knife or scissors. Cut to fit into your bottle.

2. Pour vodka to completely cover the beans.

3. Leave in a cool dark place giving it a shake every now and then. The vodka will slowly get darker. Leave for at least 2 months before using.

Vanilla extract at different stages of developing

Note
I ran out of small bottles so ended up using jam jars to brew my extract.

Tip
1. After using vanilla beans for any ice creams (vanilla, peach yogurt or strawberry yogurt) the beans will still have plenty of 'life' left in them. Do not throw it away. Rinse and dry the beans in the sun. When completely dry, drop them into their own bottle of vodka.
I keep these vanilla extract separate from those made from 'clean unused' beans. Most of my bottled extracts are made from pre-used vanilla beans. Label them so you know which is which.

2. If you have only scrapped the seeds to use in a recipe, the discarded vanilla beans need not be washed or dried but can be put directly into vodka. The only thing missing from them are the seeds but they will still pack a punch in your extract.

3. I have bottles of vanilla extract at various stages of brewing. One can never have enough.

4. It does not matter if you put too many beans in a bottle. It is better to have a more concentrated extract than a weak one. If too concentrated, use half the amount stated in the recipe or add more vodka to dilute the extract at a later stage.

5. If you do not want to make any more extracts from your 'used' vanilla beans, put them into sugar bowls to make vanilla sugar.

6. We even put our used beans into salt to make vanilla salt.

7. Or put the used vanilla beans into your coffee container for vanilla flavoured coffee.