The real deal over the counterfeit? Is there really any comparison? No. In this article, we’ll discuss why choosing the more expensive vanilla extract is worth it over vanilla “flavoring” and then I’ll teach you how to make homemade vanilla extract.
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Real Deal Vanilla Extract
First of all, vanilla comes from an orchid native to Madagascar which is threatened with monsoons regularly. The entire process for growing these orchids on a vine, hand pollinating the blooms, blanching, fermenting under wool blankets for weeks, etc… that’s a LOT! And only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to vanilla bean pods needed to make pure vanilla extract.
Start to end, the vanilla bean process takes 12-14 months! Supply versus demand. Does that explain why it costs so much yet, or….? Take a closer gander at this fantastic explanation for more details on the vanilla bean pod process.
Don’t worry, friend. By the time you are done here, you’re going to be heading out to your local ABC Store for a good fifth of liquor so you can start your own extraction! And for way cheaper than any pure organic vanilla extract you can find in the grocery store.
Is Imitation Vanilla Flavoring good for you?
“Immediately no. Immediately no.” In my Justin Bieber voice.
In the last couple of years I’ve learned that words like “imitation” and “flavoring” on a food label equal artificial, fake, chemical, caramel food coloring, not good for you. So, this is going to be a hard no from me.
Yes, I KNOW pure vanilla extract is expensive. Incredibly so! I also know most recipes call for vanilla extract. So there’s gotta be a cheaper way, right?
Right!
Photos from my Instagram stories Winter 2023 (@johnsonhomenc) as I shopped for just vanilla bean pods. Keep reading. Let’s get to the part where you don’t spend this much money on those price tags!
Can I make vanilla extra at home?
Absolutely you can and that’s what you’ll learn in this blog post.
Sure, there’s a wait time but here’s the thing. You can start today or start next year but either way, the time is still going to pass. Why not go ahead and start today?
Here’s my first homemade vanilla extract batch. The minimum wait time is 6 months but the longer you can wait, the better it’ll taste.
Two Ingredients and some wait time
Vanilla Bean Pods (Vanilla Love USA is where I get mine and I’ve linked them here. I’m not affiliated with them, just love their American small business & shopping direct.)
Vodka or bourbon
The BEST bottles
Add 2 pods per 4oz of alcohol into the bottle. Split vanilla bean pods down the middle the long way with a knife to open the pod. This allows the extract to happen more thoroughly. Securely close the swing top bottle and sit it in a cool, dark place like a pantry for at least 6 months. The longer the better.
If you are starting a “mother jar”, it’s best not to use that extract for 1 year. DATE YOUR BOTTLES! Use the FREE label above.
What is a mother jar for vanilla extract?
Once you get in the groove of making your own vanilla extract at home about every 6 months, you will find you’ve got the “dregs” of a bottle left.
This is a great time to take those dregs (and the pods!! Do not throw them away!) and add them to a “mother jar”. This can be a large swing top bottle or a quart mason jar with an airtight lid.
The mother jar will continue to extract and add vanilla goodness. Mother jars of vanilla extract tend to have a richer, deeper flavor. This is due, in part, to how it just sits and collects left over alcohol and pods.
Some mother jars are 10 years old or older!
I like the 16 ounce swing top jars best for my mother jar so I can securely lay it down and nothing leaks out. Laying down the bottle keeps the pods covered in alcohol to avoid any unwanted mold growth from air exposure on the pods.
Can I mix different alcohols in a mother jar?
Technically, yes. But some will say no.
I think it is a matter of flavor preference. Mixing vodka vanilla extract and bourbon extracts together may not give you the flavor you care for.
Personally, my vanilla extract mother jar has both vodka and bourbon in it but I have, in the last year, decided vodka is my alcohol of choice for extraction.
I believe it is best to choose an alcohol and let that be your extract base for all vanilla extracts.
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Equipment
- 1 16 ounce bottle
Materials
- 1 fifth vodka or bourbon
- 5-10 pods vanilla bean grade a, b, or c
Instructions
- First, split at least 8 vanilla bean pods down the middle on one side.
- Put pods inside your 16 ounce bottle.
- Then pour enough vodka or bourbon into your bottle to just cover the pods.
- Label the date on your bottle.
- Lastly, let your extraction process take place for at least 6 months in a cool, dark cabinet or pantry. One year and longer provides the best vanilla flavor.
Notes
What’s the shelf life of homemade vanilla extract?
Since it is made with vodka or bourbon liquor, you’re looking at a shelf life of an indefinite amount of time. Keeping the vanilla pods covered by the alcohol will continue to extract flavor making your vanilla even nicer.
*Be sure to keep pods covered in alcohol to prevent mold growth. I lay my bottles down so the pods will remain covered for longer. Once there’s not enough liquid to cover, add pods to a “mother jar” making sure to cover those pods with alcohol as well. Or lay the mother jar on her side to keep pods covered.
Can you get drunk from homemade vanilla extract?
As a blogger, it’s smart to look on the internet to see what questions people have about the topic you’re writing about. This one gave me a chuckle. The answer is yes. Alcohol is the extractor of the flavor and since you are using liquor to do it, essentially you’ve made yourself a vanilla flavored liquor.
For the purpose of this recipe, you will NOT be drinking your extract. You will be using it to bake with. The alcohol will be burnt off in the baking process leaving your baked goods with the vanilla flavoring you love.
Using this vanilla extract in something not cooked like homemade vanilla ice cream should be okay as you would not be using enough of the “alcohol” to cause any harm BUT use your discretion.
An idea I’m playing around with for a recipe like this is to cook down the needed extract for a non-cooked recipe like ice cream. Just enough to cook off the alcohol.
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Okay, friend. You’ve got the recipe and you’ve got this! I try to make a new batch every couple of months so that I always have some vanilla extract resting. BE SURE TO DATE YOUR BOTTLES. Grab the FREE printable label. And remember to pin this recipe or share to your social medias.
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Where do you get the vanilla beans? Id like to try this. Thx!