Pure Vanilla Extract

General Information

Vanilla is the most popular flavouring derived from Vanilla orchid plants. The word “Vanilla” is a Spanish name translate to “little pod”. The fruit is a long bean containing an oily liquid full of tiny seeds. Vanilla is the most used flavour in foods and baked goods due to its sweetness and ability to enhance other flavours.

Vanilla extract is a condensed solution used to add the complex flavour and smooth aroma of vanilla to dessert and baked goods. It is made by soaking vanilla beans in a mixture of water and ethyl alcohol. Its primary flavour compound is vanillin, but it contains several hundred additional flavour compounds. The result is a deep flavour with many nuances and complexities.

Pure vanilla extract is made from whole vanilla beans extracted using 35%+ alcohol. Pure vanilla extract adds the subtle and delicious flavour of vanilla that is easy to taste. It also enhances the flavour of other ingredients in more complex recipes. It is considered an essential ingredient in many desserts, especially baked goods like cakes, cookies, brownies, cupcakes, and custards, ice creams, and puddings.

Best Way to Use Pure Vanilla Extract

The pure Vanilla extract works great in cakes, cookies, pies, muffins, and even savoury recipes like marinara sauce.

Use one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for every 2 inches of vanilla bean. Given that the average vanilla bean is 6 inches long, replacing 1 vanilla bean with 1 tablespoon extract. Replace 1 whole vanilla bean with 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract added after heating.

For the best result, use vanilla extract toward the end of the cooking process or cream with butter for baking.

Storage

Keep the extract in a cool, dry place, away from heat and direct light in an airtight sealed container. Its shelf time is up to two years.