How to Make Natural Vanilla Extract at Home

09/09/2024

Making your own vanilla extract at home is a simple, cost-effective, and enjoyable way to add a personal touch to your recipes. It's also a great gift idea for cooking enthusiasts.

How to Make Natural Vanilla Extract at Home Using Alcohol

Vanilla extract is a staple ingredient in many recipes, from desserts to beverages. If you're tired of buying expensive extracts at the supermarket or simply want to experiment in the kitchen, you can prepare your own natural vanilla extract at home. Not only is it easy, but it also ensures that your extract is pure and free from undesirable additives. Follow this simple guide to make your own homemade vanilla extract.

Why Make Your Own Homemade Vanilla Extract?

There are several benefits to making your own vanilla extract:

  • Superior Quality: You control the quality of the ingredients, ensuring you use real vanilla beans.
  • Cost-Effective: While the initial purchase of vanilla beans can be expensive, homemade extract is often more economical in the long term.
  • Customization: You can adjust the strength and flavor of your extract according to your preferences.

Ingredients and Equipment Needed

To make natural vanilla extract, you will need:

  • 250 ml of alcohol (vodka, rum, or whiskey – choose a neutral or lightly flavored alcohol according to your preference)
  • An airtight glass jar or a dark 250 ml bottle
  • A sharp knife

Preparation Steps

  1. Choose the Vanilla Beans: Opt for fresh, plump, and shiny vanilla beans. Avoid dry or brittle beans. (Our best beans from organic farming in the Comoros available HERE).
  2. Prepare the Vanilla Beans: Using a knife, split each vanilla bean lengthwise to release the aromatic seeds inside. You can also cut the beans into 2-3 cm pieces for faster extraction.
  3. Sterilize the Container: Thoroughly wash and sterilize your glass jar or bottle to prevent any contamination.
  4. Mix the Ingredients: Place the prepared vanilla beans in the jar. Pour the chosen alcohol over them, ensuring the beans are completely submerged.
  5. Seal and Shake: Seal the jar tightly and shake it gently to mix.
  6. Let it Steep: Store the jar in a cool, dark place. Let it steep for at least 8 weeks, shaking the jar lightly once a week. The longer it steeps, the richer and more aromatic the extract will become. Ideally, 3 to 6 months will provide a more intense flavor.
  7. Filter and Use (Optional): If you prefer an extract without particles, you can strain it through a sieve or cheesecloth before transferring it to a dark bottle for storage.

Tips and Variations

  • Choice of Alcohol: Vodka is often chosen for its neutrality, but rum and whiskey add a unique and complementary touch to the vanilla flavor.
  • Double Extraction: For an even more concentrated extract, add more vanilla beans after a few months or continue adding alcohol as you use the extract.
  • Reuse the Beans: Don't discard the beans once the extract is finished. They can be reused to make a second batch, although it will be less potent.

100 g Ground Vanilla – Grade A

100% pure vanilla (Vanilla planifolia), ground and sourced from organic agriculture in the Comoros. No preservatives, no added sugar. This exceptional vanilla is the result of the expertise of Mr. Nourou Mmadi, a renowned vanilla farmer with over 40 years of experience in cultivating and preparing vanilla in the Comoros.

14,799.60 KMF 29,599.20 KMF

10 vanilla beans for 14 euros instead of 22 euros.

Promo 10 vanilla beans for 14 euros instead of 22 euros. Offer valid only until September 10, 2024. Calibrage / Calibration : 11 - 22 Cm Taux de vanilline/ Vanillin level : 1,7% (minimum) Taux d'humidité/ Humidity level: entre 28 et 35 % Année récolte / Harvest year : 2023

6,906.48 KMF 10,853.04 KMF

Turmeric powder

50g of turmeric powder, unprocessed, without additives and without colouring. Origin, Comoros. For seasoning hot dishes. A powerful anti-inflammatory

Starting at 1,233.30 KMF

"Faina" vanilla pods

Calibrage / Calibration : 14 - 16 Cm Taux de vanilline/ Vanillin level : 1,8% (minimum) Taux d'humidité/ Humidity level: entre 30 et 35 % Année récolte / Harvest year : 2022

Starting at 2,959.92 KMF 4,434.94 KMF

Cardamom

Cardamom has important aromatic and flavour properties. It is used in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits, including aiding digestion, relieving stomach upsets and combating bad breath. It is also used as an ingredient in perfumes and essential oils because of its distinctive fragrance. It can be used to flavour a wide variety of dishes, both sweet and savoury. It is often used in combination with other spices to create complex and delicious flavours.

Starting at 1,968.34 KMF 2,954.98 KMF

    How to Store and Use Your Homemade Vanilla Extract

    Store your homemade vanilla extract in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. As long as it is well sealed, your extract can last for years and improve over time.
    Use your homemade vanilla extract in all your favorite recipes: cookies, cakes, creams, ice creams, cocktails, and much more. You will enjoy the richness of the natural aroma, bringing a touch of sophistication to your culinary creations.