Homemade Vanilla Extract: 2 Ingredient Recipe + Free Printable Labels | BREPURPOSED (2024)

FAQs

How do you label vanilla extract? ›

(2) When the vanilla extract is made in whole or in part by dilution of vanilla oleoresin, concentrated vanilla extract, or concentrated vanilla flavoring, the label shall bear the statement "Made from ______" or "Made in part from ______", the blank being filled in with the name or names "vanilla oleoresin", " ...

What is the shelf life of my vanilla extract? When stored properly, vanilla extract will keep indefinitely, but using it within five years will allow for best flavor and aroma.

A bit of simple math reveals that homemade vanilla extract is the more economical choice. Say you buy two 4-ounce bottles of the good vanilla extract from the grocery store every year. If each jar costs $18, that's $180 over a five-year span.

According to FDA guidelines, vanilla extract requires a solution in aqueous ethyl alcohol of the sapid and odorous principles extractable from vanilla beans. The ethyl alcohol content in vanilla extract must be not less than 35 percent by volume.

Use this homemade vanilla extract as you would any other commercial variety. The official FDA formula for "Pure Vanilla Extract" calls for 13.35 oz. of vanilla beans per gallon of extract, and not less than 35% alcohol.

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

With Vodka, you get the taste of the pure vanilla bean, as the alcohol is completely tasteless. With Rum, you get a very sweet taste and the maximum vanilla taste. With Bourbon, while you do get a wonderfully enhanced vanilla taste, there are specific smoky notes that emanate through the extract.

What is the best alcohol to make vanilla extract? You can use any alcohol that is 80 proof, but vodka is the most commonly used since it has a neutral flavor.

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.

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.

Can you use 10 year old vanilla extract? ›

Pure vanilla extract (the kind made with real vanilla beans and at least 35 percent alcohol) has an indefinite shelf life. unless it's been stored improperly.

Grade B vanilla beans, on the other hand, are considered 'extract-grade beans', and they are primarily used in making vanilla extract. They are also used in baking and cooking, but they are not recommended for high-end desserts or dishes where the vanilla flavor and appearance are the main focus.

Indonesian Vanilla – The beans from Indonesia are mass-produced and usually a grade B bean. For making homemade vanilla extract, this is the type that is recommended. They may be a bit more brittle and dried out which makes them perfect for the long soaking in vodka or bourbon.

The bottle should seal tightly and should not allow leaks. Many bakers recommend choosing brown or darkly colored bottles to minimize the amount of light hitting the extract. We've found that clear bottles are fine as long as they are stored in a cool/dark place.

The standard requires that the total flavoring principles be extracted from the vanilla beans using an aqueous ethyl alcohol solution containing at least 35% alcohol and that the final extract be composed of the vanilla constituents suspended in aqueous ethyl alcoholy.

Vanillin is an organic compound with the molecular formula C8H8O3. It is a phenolic aldehyde. Its functional groups include aldehyde, hydroxyl, and ether. It is the primary component of the extract of the vanilla bean.

VANILLA PLANIFOLIA FRUIT EXTRACT - Cosmetics Ingredient INCI.