Did you know that making vanilla extract is so easy with just two ingredients? Vanilla beans and liquor. Nothing beats the quality of homemade vanilla extracts, and there is no substitute for its rich smooth aroma. You can make your homemade vanilla extract that will taste better and cheaper than the store-bought.
Why vanilla is so expensive?
The vanilla is the second most expensive spice after saffron, derived from orchids that is difficult to grow. Hand pollination is required to make the plants produce the fruit of the vanilla orchid. This is just one of the reasons why vanilla is so expensive. The weather affects the harvest, with the demand heavily outweighing the supply.
How to make vanilla extract?
Learn how to make the best quality homemade vanilla extracts with just two ingredients and few simple steps.
Here’s what you’ll need
Madagascar Vanilla beans or Tahitian Vanilla beans – Grade B
Madagascar vanilla beans are the most popular, it has a creamy sweet flavour. Tahitian Vanilla beans have a floral aroma with licorice and caramel flavour. Try to combine both for the best flavour.
Vodka ( for a neutral flavour )of at least 80 proof or 40% alcohol. You can also use bourbon, brandy, or rum for a caramelized rummy flavour.
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Watch How to Make It
Equipment
- 18 oz bottle with a tight seal or 5 of 4 oz bottles
- Pairing knife
- Funnel
Ingredients
- 10 Madagascar Vanilla beans or Tahitian Vanilla beans - Grade B vanilla pods 10 or more per 500ml liquor or you can try to combine both vanilla pods for the best flavour.
- 500 ml Vodka for a neutral flavour of at least 80 proof or 40% alcohol. You can also use bourbon, brandy, or rum for a caramelized rummy flavour
Instructions
- Split the pods to expose the beans ( cut into half if using small bottles to fit ). Place the vanilla beans in the airtight bottle. Use a funnel to pour the liquor into the bottle. Make sure the vanilla beans are completely submerged in the liquor.
- Stick your labels on the bottle and a label with the bottled date.
- Shake and store in a cool dark place for at least 2 months (shake the bottle every week, once or twice a week for best results.).
- For a richer and best flavour, steep for 6 months or longer. You can refill the liquor and reuse the vanilla pods.
