Did you know that vanilla beans are harvested from orchids? They are one of the most costly spices, second only to saffron. Fresh vanilla beans should be soft, somewhat oily and they should have an intense vanilla aroma.
When purchased individually in a grocery store, vanilla beans are typically priced out of the average family’s budget. Luckily, the options online are much more reasonably priced.
About a year ago, I found an excellent deal for whole vanilla beans. I was able to buy a pound of beans (this was over 100 beans!) for a very reasonable price. I made a huge batch of vanilla extract last summer and then I started playing with the beans in my cooking and baking.
My original plan was to give the extract away as gifts, but I have to admit that I wound up using it all! I’ve made extract several times since then and I am very happy with the quality of it.
Whether you have purchased pricey individual vanilla beans or their less expensive bulk purchased counterparts, it is an excellent idea to use the whole bean, pod and seeds. I use vanilla beans in the following ways.
How to Use Vanilla Beans
With a sharp knife, split the bean in half lengthwise. Use the tip of the knife to scrape as many of the seeds as possible from the pod.
Use the seeds anywhere vanilla extract is called for in a recipe. You can substitute one bean’s worth of seeds for about a tablespoon of extract. Preserve any remaining vanilla beans triple wrapped in an airtight container at room temperature. Do not refrigerate.
Homemade Vanilla Sugar
Don’t let those scraped pods go to waste! Place the empty pods in a jar and cover with sugar. Add additional empty pods to the jar as you use them. Refill with sugar as needed. Use in any recipe where a hint of vanilla is beneficial. My favorite use is in my morning coffee.
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Ingredients
- 1 cup vodka
- 2-3 vanilla beans halved (extract grade beans work perfectly for this purpose)
Instructions
- Place the halved vanilla beans into a glass jar and cover with vodka. If you are making a large amount of extract, you can simply add 8-10 split beans to a full bottle of vodka.
- Let rest in a cool, dark place for at least two months. Shake the jar every so often, just to have fun watching the extract darken over time. The extract will last for years.
Tricia @ saving room for dessert says
I always make my own vanilla sugar but have never tried making extract. Thanks for this Mary – I will give it a try 🙂
Sue/the view from great island says
Sign me up for this year's gift list please!
maisouiparis.com says
Wow- I have to try this! I usually buy really good vodka. Does it matter how good it is for this?
Mary says
I tested that last year making two small batches; using a top end as well as a cheap brand vodka. I could not tell a difference. I typically just buy whatever is on sale now when I am making extract.
Wangeci says
So going to be making the extract. I bought a bunch of beans and I'm having an issue storing them coz its sooooo hot so this is a good way to use them up. PLUS i cant find vanilla extract in my country (Kenya) so this is great. Thanx
Anonymous says
so you now have a business also; make the extract and sell it!
Anonymous says
Hi Wangeci, Am in Kenya and theres a company selling vanilla extract – no sugar or color or preservatives. Ive bought some at Uchumi – sarit. Maybe you could look there.
Kanyiri Laiboni says
Hi Wangeci. I live in Kenya as well but can't seem to find vanilla beans. Where did you buy them from?
Chris says
I have some pods that I need to use. Now I have an excuse to buy vodka, ha ha.
Unknown says
where did you buy your vanilla beans?
Mary Younkin says
I am fairly sure that I bought them here: http://www.vanillaproductsusa.com/servlet/StoreFront However, there are numerous places to buy vanilla online. Just look around and find a place that works for you. Good Luck!
Anonymous says
I used vanilla flavored vodka along with the vanilla beans and it was much stonger than when I used plain vodka.
Patricia Davidson says
My daughter made some vanilla extract for a few years ago, it was the best extract I ever had.need to make some this year.
Anonymous says
Miss Mary, so that's what happened to my vanilla extract Christmas present hmm
Lisa says
This is a great idea. I love the idea of buying the beans in bulk, they are so expensive in the store. Thanks!
Cindy says
I've made my own vanilla extract for years and other than vodka try using bourbon. OMG the greatest! I also make my own lemon, anise and almond extract. Saves me a bundle as I love to bake. If you need these recipes along with almond paste let me know happy to share.
Anonymous says
I would love those recipes also, as I love to bake and use anise alot around the holidays
Anonymous says
Oh yes, please do share! I would LOVE those other extract recipes! Thank you!
candie says
ME 3 THAT WOULD BE AWESOME IF YOU COULD PLEASE
Cindy says
Ok all. I will get the recipes together and send them in. You will not be disappointed I promise.
Anonymous says
Would love the recipes.
Anonymous says
I would like to have your recipes too.
Anonymous says
I would be ever so grateful to have your recipes, too. Many thanks ~~
Anonymous says
Cindy I would love to have your extract recipes for lemon, anise and almond.
Do you also have one for orange ?
Anonymous says
Cindy I would love to see your recipies for the other extracts and almond paste
Anonymous says
i would love recipes cindy. please post.
BETTY says
I MADE THIS LAST YEAR WITH THREE DIFFERENT TYPES OF VANILLA BEANS…I ALSO USED A HIGH END VODKA…….THE VODA TAKES ON THE FLAVOR OF THE VANILLA BEAN………. WHEN YOU REMOVE THE VANILLA BEANS YOU CAN DRY THEM OUT AND USE FOR OTHERS THINGS TOO!!!!!!!ABSOLUTELY LOVE MAKING MY OWN……..
Bill Hatcher says
Can you make Vanilla extract without using alcohol??
Mary says
Not to my knowledge, Bill. Even store bought vanilla is made with alcohol and you are using the tiniest amount in a recipe, I've never tasted anything "alcohol" like in a finished dish.
Anonymous says
If its not too much of your time, Cindy, I'd love to have a copy of the extract recipes too. Thank you ahead of time : ). **Mary**
Anonymous says
recipes for extracts please
Christi says
So easy!!!! Thanks!
Bizzy Lizzy's Good Things says
I've always wanted to do this… with the holidays coming, I am going to do so. Thanks for sharing on FB.
Anonymous says
Would love the Lemon extract recipe, I would use it the most out of the ones you mentioned but they all sound terrific. Please send if you could. Thx