How to Store Vanilla Beans

rob — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 19:16:09 +0000

We are often asked; "What is the best way to store vanilla beans and how long will they last?" Unlike the dried up and brittle vanilla beans that you might receive from your local grocery store, our vanilla is oily, pliable and very fresh. Due to our high volume of inventory turnover, our vanilla does not remain on shelves for long periods of time and we take extra steps to preserve the moisture and quality. By following our guidelines below, we can assure you that your vanilla will remain in excellent condition for a very long time:

Unpacking

Our vanilla beans are shipped in either vacuum sealed or glass vial packages. If your vanilla arrives in vacuum sealed packaging, we suggest that you do not open the package until usage. We do recommend that you remove the beans from the package after approximately 6 months. Keep in mind that you might see a brown liquid throughout the vacuum sealed packaging. Do not be concerned for this liquid is simply oil squeezed from the vanilla beans during the vacuum sealing process. If your vanilla arrives in a glass vial, we recommend that you remove the beans within 3-4 months.

Storage

Wrap your vanilla beans in either wax paper or plastic wrap and store in an airtight glass or Tupperware container. Be sure to squeeze out as much air as possible from the container to prevent the vanilla beans from drying out.

We sell 8" long glass vials, perfect for storing vanilla beans. The plastic stopper ensures an airtight seal for preserving up to 5-7 vanilla beans (depending on vanilla variety) for as long as 8-12 months.

If you are looking for something to store a large quantity of vanilla beans, we have the perfect solution for you! Our hand-blown straight standing vanilla bean storage jars can hold up to 50 vanilla beans or more. The removable glass lid creates an air tight seal that will keep your vanilla beans fresh for over a year.

Storage Location

You should never store your vanilla beans in the refrigerator. Refrigeration will dry out your beans and excess moisture can promote a particular type of mold specific to vanilla. We recommend storing your airtight container in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or basement.

Airing

Vanilla beans should be aired regularly. Simply remove the beans from the container every few weeks to circulate the air for approximately 10-15 minutes.

Life Span

Vanilla beans that have been stored correctly in ideal conditions can last upwards to two years. We recommend buying quantities that you intend on using within 6-8 months.

Dry or Moldy Vanilla Beans

If your vanilla beans have dried out, you can re-hydrate them in either milk or warm water for several hours. If your vanilla beans appear to contain "frost", do not mistake this as mold. Frosty Vanillin crystals can develop on vanilla beans as the vanillin inside the bean migrates to the surface while the beans dry. These crystals appear shiny and are edible. If you do suspect actual mold, please discard the vanilla beans.

Homemade Vanilla Extract

brent — Thu, 24 May 2012 10:41:53 +0000

Homemade vanilla extract is prized for its full, rich, complex flavor and an incredibly smooth aroma. Homemade vanilla extract is truly in a different league than what can be procured from most grocery stores. The difference between pure vanilla and imitation vanilla is simple. Pure vanilla extract is made from vanilla beans, while imitation vanilla utilizes imitation flavors and chemicals.

All photos courtesy of MyBakingAddiction.com

Making vanilla extract is fun and simple! Simply take 5 whole vanilla beans, split lengthwise and add to 8 ounces of 35%+ alcohol. Any type of alcohol can be used, but bottom shelf vodka is most common because it will not add any additional flavors to the extract. Bourbon, rum and brandy can also be used. After 8 short weeks the extract is ready to enjoy.

Step One: Gather your ingredients

Step Two: Use a knife to split the vanilla beans

Step Three: Place beans in bottle and cover with liquor

What makes homemade vanilla extract so much better than "store bought"? First, you have control over the quality and type of vanilla used in the extract. Using premium grade vanilla beans will provide significantly better flavor and aroma than commercially produced extracts. It is also now possible to make vanilla extract from different types of vanilla beans, each of which has a unique flavor!

Do you prefer bold and smokey? If so, try Mexican vanilla beans. Rich and creamy? Use Madagascar Vanilla Beans! Floral aroma and unique cherry-chocolate? Venture to the Tahitian vanilla beans. Each type is excellent for homemade vanilla extract. You can even blend various varieties together. The floral, fruity, cherry like notes of the Tahitian variety blend wonderfully with the nutty-chocolate character of the Bourbon varieties.

After 8 weeks the vast majority of the extraction process is complete. At this point the the vanilla is ready to use and the vanilla beans can be removed. If the vanilla beans are left in the jar, the flavor will continue to evolve (just be sure the beans are always submerged in alcohol).

In addition to premium vanilla beans, we also offer decorative glass bottles to display your creations.

We also carry a Homemade Vanilla Extract Infusion Kit that already has enough beans to make 8 ounces of Vanilla Extract. Just choose the vanilla variety you want and in 8 weeks, you will have pure homemade vanilla extract. They make great gifts too!

From all of us at Beanilla Trading Company, we sincerely hope you enjoy this recipe.

Happy Extracting!

Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe

Ingredients:

-Jar or Bottle
-Vanilla Beans in your favorite variety (rule of thumb is 5 beans per 1 cup of alcohol)
-Vodka, but you can also use Bourbon, Rum or Brandy

Directions:

1. Use a knife to split the bean in half, leave about ½ inch at each end intact.

2. Put your vanilla beans in your glass bottle or jar and cover with vodka.

3. Close jar or bottle and store in a cool, dry place for at least 8 weeks. Give the bottle a shake every week or so. As you use the vanilla, simply add in more liquor to replace what you have used.