How to make Vanilla extract from Vanilla beans Grade B /Grade A
You might wonder why people make vanilla extract from Grade B Vanilla Beans rather than buy simply from a shop. Its more cheap to make homemade Vanilla extract and also can control strength of vanilla aroma and flavor.
Most of us get caught to fake vanilla extracts those are clear extract produced by using artificial chemicals and coloring agents. The pure vanilla extract are extracted by using whole vanilla beans using alcohol -35% .
Only you need 2 ingredients to prepare homemade natural Vanilla extract that will give extra taste and smell for your baking recipes. The extract you make from the below steps will give you very rich flavor with smooth aroma.
Ingredients
- Vanilla Beans
- 80 proof Alcohol
- Glass Jars or bottles with tight seal
- Funnel
What Kind of Vanilla Beans are best for the Vanilla extract?
The Madagascar Vanilla beans are most popular for extracting due to its sweet, creamy mellow flavor. Most of our customers said Sri Lankan Vanilla beans giving unique flavor of silky, smooth aroma with earthy ambience to vanilla extracts. The other options are Tahitian Vanilla that has fruity and floral notes with a punch of cherry flavor. Mexican Vanilla beans got both woody, sweet flavor with spicy taste
When you choose vanilla beans for making vanilla extract, use grade B beans that are 15-20cm long. Usually Grade B vanilla beans are also called extract grade vanilla beans. This beans looks dry, sometimes smaller and less appealing. Due to less moisture level in grade B Vanilla Beans give more concentrated vanilla flavor. Also you can have dark brown, smooth, oily appearance, plump Grade A Vanilla bulk beans for making Vanilla extract that gives you stronger aroma and great taste for your Vanilla recipes. You can buy best Vanilla beans from grocery stores or online stores such as Amazon, eBay.
What kind of alcohol to use for Vanilla Extract?
The famous types of alcohols for extracting vanilla are vodka, brandy, rum or bourbon. There is no effects on vanilla extract as long as if we use 80 proof alcohol. You do not have to spend for good brands of Vodka, the cheap brands will also give you the amazing extract. The main factor that affects the quality of vanilla extract is Vanilla beans quality. So ensure you will choose best vanilla beans for extracting process
What bottles do you use for Vanilla extract?
Our recommendation is to use 8 ounce glass bottles for vanilla extracting. These bottles got tight seal and easy to swing top. Also important to sterilize the glass bottle before they use
Funnel
Pouring is much easier and quicker if you use a funnel
Process of making Vanilla Extract
1.Select your preferred Vanilla beans with desired flavor origin. Cut the selected beans into half and split cut beans using scissors. Sometimes Grade B beans are too dry to split, so cut them into one piece.
2. Place 3 split beans into sanitized glass Jars
3. Use the funnel to pour vodka to top of the glass Jar. Do not forget to cover tightly with the kid. Need to brew for 2 months while shaking occasionally
