If you often use vanilla extract in your recipes, it might be a wise move to make it at home instead of buying expensive packages from specialty stores. A quality vanilla extract has its roots in the purchase of quality vanilla beans. This article will teach you how to extract vanilla from berries in two different ways: with vodka and with other spirits.
Ingrediants
Vanilla Extract with Vodka
- 2 vanilla pods
- 200 ml of Vodka (quality)
Vanilla extract with other spirits
- 4 vanilla pods
- 1 liter of quality Brandy or Rum
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Which Vanilla to Use
Step 1. Research the vanilla variety you want
Vanilla beans are produced in many countries and in different varieties, each of which with its own distinctive organoleptic characteristics.
- Bourbon vanilla has a fruity flavor with hints of figs and persimmons.
- Madagascar vanilla has a full-bodied and well-defined flavor, with a slight hint of tobacco. These berries have a higher vanilla content than other varieties, choose them for a flavorful recipe.
- The seeds contained in Mexican vanilla beans have a creamy and smooth texture.
- Tahitian vanilla has a pleasant floral scent.
- The Indian vanilla beans are dark and oily, and have a spicy scent in which cinnamon can be clearly recognized.
Step 2. Buy vanilla beans
Buy only whole vanilla beans by going to stores that specialize in the sale of spices and high-quality products. Alternatively, look for them and buy them online, you will find an even wider assortment.
- The vanilla beans will be dark in color and oily to the touch. Between the fingers, they must have a full-bodied consistency, and obviously they must emit a strong scent of vanilla.
- No light-colored, dry or crumbly berries appear. If at the time of use you have doubts about the goodness of a berry, wrap it around your finger, if it remains intact and elastic, use it quietly, if it breaks it will not be possible to use it for your purposes.
Method 2 of 3: Vanilla Extract with Vodka
Step 1. Score and open the vanilla pods
Line up all the pods on the cutting board. Place the tip of the knife on the end of the first berry. Keep the knife lengthwise aligned with the vanilla bean. Press the blade onto the vanilla bean to open it exactly halfway. Repeat this step with all the berries you want to use.
- Some people prefer not to cut the berries in half. By cutting them, more flavor will be extracted, but remember that the vanilla seeds, black and very small, will make the extract slightly cloudy.
- If you want to get a very strong, yet clear vanilla extract, instead of cutting the berries in half, just remove the ends
Step 2. Put the vanilla pods in the vodka bottle
Insert the pods directly into the bottle and close it with the cap. Shake it to mix the contents.
Step 3. Wait for the vanilla to flavor the vodka
Store the bottle in a cool, dark place for two months. You will notice that the vodka will take on a golden brownish color.
- Do not store the infusion in a warm and / or lighted place, otherwise it could be damaged.
- Remember to shake the bottle from time to time to mix the contents.
Step 4. Transfer the vanilla extract to amber bottles
Using a colander and a funnel, filter the vanilla extract to remove the pods, and bottle it in amber bottles, which will protect it from sunlight. Doing so will keep your extract for years.
- If you prefer, keep the extract directly in the vodka bottle, taking care to keep it in a dark and cool place.
- If the flavor of your preparation isn't strong enough, leave it in the vodka bottle and add a few more vanilla beans. Before using it, leave it to infuse for a few more months.
Method 3 of 3: Vanilla Extract with other Spirits
Step 1. Score and open the vanilla pods
Line up all the pods on the cutting board. Place the tip of the knife on the end of the first berry. Keep the knife lengthwise aligned with the vanilla bean. Press the blade onto the berry, so that it opens exactly halfway. Repeat this step with all the berries you want to use.
Step 2. Dip the vanilla into the container with the alcohol
For your brew you can choose to use brandy, bourbon, tequila, or any other type of alcohol you want. You will only have to insert the pods directly into the bottle, and then seal it with the appropriate cap. Shake it carefully to mix the contents.
Step 3. Shake the bottle
The very full-bodied and structured spirits need a longer period of time to assimilate the vanilla flavor, while the bottles need to be shaken so that the vanilla is evenly distributed inside them. During the first week, shake the bottle several times a day, while in the second week, once a day will suffice.
Step 4. Store the vanilla extract
Vanilla extract, prepared with spirits other than vodka, requires a longer infusion time. Store the bottle in a cold, dry place for at least three months.
Step 5. Find out if your vanilla extract is ready
Open the bottle and enjoy the scent released, then taste the flavor as well. If your infusion has a strong vanilla flavor it means that it is ready, if the dominant flavor is still that of alcohol, reseal the bottle with the cap and let it rest for a few more weeks.
Advice
- Homemade vanilla extract can be stored for several years, thanks to the protection of the alcohol contained within it. If you use it regularly, it will be a good idea to start preparing a new extract before the old one is finished, in order to always have enough available.
- Homemade vanilla extract can make a great gift for family and friends. Bottle it in small amber bottles and label them appropriately.
