Homemade Vanilla Recipe - Sous Vide Extract - Savoring The Good® (2024)

FAQs

Can bacteria grow in homemade vanilla extract? ›

Some people suggest sterilising the jar first but bacteria cannot grow in 40% alcohol so I didn't bother with this step. And because of the alcohol it will last for years. Give it a quick shake, then store in a dark place like the pantry for about 2 months. Keeping it out of the light helps keep the nutritional value.

Store it in a cool, dark place.

Heat and light can cause evaporation and cause the extract to turn cloudy.

You only need 2 ingredients for homemade vanilla extract: vanilla beans and vodka. Let the vanilla beans infuse the vodka for as little as 8 weeks, but for optimal flavor, wait at least 6-12 months before using. Homemade vanilla is more cost efficient than store-bought options.

Vanilla bean pod particles may also break down over time, so it isn't uncommon to see specs or "floaties" in your extracts, especially if you sliced or cut your beans before submersing them. This is normal.

The beans will become a little slimy if they aren't almost fully submerged. Unused aged vanilla extract (with the beans fully submerged) will last several years. If it still smells good, it's still good to use!

Answer #2: Alcohol is normal. Remember that all "Pure" extracts are required to have a minimum 35% alcohol content, which is just as much alcohol that is in hard liquor.

Store at room temperature, in a cool, dark place (like the back of a cabinet away from heat sources) for as little as two months, shaking daily for the first week or two. After some time has passed, give the jar a shake once or twice a week, until the alcohol turns a rich brown and smells of fragrant vanilla essence.

Select a dark glass or amber-colored bottle for your vanilla extract. Light can degrade the quality of the extract by breaking down its aromatic compounds. Dark glass helps to protect the extract from light exposure, preserving its flavor and aroma. Air can also impact the quality of vanilla extract over time.

Vodka is the preferred alcohol for extractions like this, as its flavor is neutral and does not compete with that of the vanilla beans.

Is Everclear better than vodka for vanilla extract? ›

If Everclear 189/190 isn't available in your area, Everclear 151 or 120 will do the trick. If you cannot purchase Everclear at all, the highest proof vodka you can find will work. You'll need to infuse much longer (closer to the 12 months mark) and use more vanilla beans per bottle of extract.

Step-by-step photos and instructions for how to make the best Homemade Vanilla Extract! All you need is vodka, vanilla beans and a few tips and tricks. You'll find that homemade vanilla is less expensive (store-bought vanilla extract can cost $4 an ounce) and more flavorful than store-bought, and it's so EASY to make!

As the vanilla extract sits, it will get darker. You want the beans to soak in the alcohol for at least 2 months before using it. The flavor will only get better with time. Make up several batches of vanilla extract at once so you never have to wait for a batch to brew.

The short summary is this: With grade-B vanilla beans you can really only make extracts, but the extracts will be very sweet. With grade-A vanilla beans you can make still make very sweet vanilla extract, and much, much more. Grade-A beans (often called "gourmet vanilla beans") are visually a more beautiful bean.

When stored properly, vanilla extract will keep indefinitely, but using it within five years will allow for best flavor and aroma. Do not refrigerate or freeze, even after opening. What is the shelf life of my vanilla beans? When stored properly, two years.

Make sure to choose a jar that is close to the exact amount of vodka you're using. This way the vanilla beans will stay submerged under the liquid, avoiding any fungus or mold from forming.

A change in smell: If the extract has a sour or alcohol smell, it may be spoiled. A change in consistency: If the extract has become thick or syrupy, it may be spoiled. A change in flavor: If the extract has a weak or off flavor, it may be spoiled.

The simple taste test method for speed and ease is to simply dip your finger into the finished extract and take a quick taste. This method is convenient but requires an experienced palate because your extract is highly concentrated.