Making Homemade Vanilla Extract

[noboundaries]

Has anyone tried running the cut vanilla beans and the vodka through a blender (like a Blendtec) at the start? I would think the smaller "smoothie" particles would give the maximum possible extraction in the shortest period of time. It should still filter out in a coffee filter and you have those left over specks to add to other things at the end.

I've not tried this, but when I saw the post about taking the leftovers and running them through a Blendtec, I wondered why not go that way from the start.

Hmmm, something to think about, Dave. I'll probably wait until the price of vanilla beans come back down before experimenting like that, though.

 

[sinner]

I've been making my own Vanilla Extract for awhile, have a jar that I use Voodka and one I made with Bourbon and have loved it. Have never used Mexican Vanilla...may give that a try. When ever I buy vanilla beans I also make Vanilla Sugar, love that stuff. I scrape some beans off the pods and put them in my Blender to mix the Vanilla beans and sugar better. Then put in a air tight jar I have with the pods to sit at least 2 weeks. Been trying to wait till the price of Vanilla beans come down but might have to bite the bullet and buy some. Couple years ago when I bought from Amazon I got them for 25-29$ Hit buy again and they were 85$!

 

[HalfSmoked]

sinner I once made vanilla with rum and it was great.

Warren

 

[sinner]

sinner I once made vanilla with rum and it was great.

Warren

Does it matter if it's clear or brown rum? I don't drink so no idea if there is a better taste with either

 

[HalfSmoked]

I'm not sure mine was with clear rum. It actually was a mistake but turned out a good one.

Warren

 

[noboundaries]

As we near the Holidays, I start thinking of baking traditional Italian cookies that use anise seeds and vanilla extract. Did a practice run this week.

I've got enough vanillla to make it through this season, but am just about ready to make another 1 to 1.5 gallons (takes a pound of beans).

Unfortunately, the price of vanilla beans has been OUTRAGEOUSLY HIGH the last few years due to a blight, weather, and increased demand ($400/lb). That resulted in some countries increasing production to meet demand. Export controls were also put in place to stop theft and premature picking due to high prices per kilo.

And then covid hit.

Retail prices have fallen 50% in the last year, but are still twice ($190/lb) what I paid when I started this thread in 2015 ($95/lb). October is when vanilla beans are picked. A supply glut and price crash is very possible in the next few months due to the increased producton and lower demand. I'll be watching the prices from my favorite supplier (not Amazon).

If you make your own vanilla extract, stay tuned!

 

[matthewhyden181]

It is a solution made by Macerating and percolatting vanilla pods in a solution of ethnal and water . It is an essential ingredient (where does vanilla flavoring come from?) in many western desserts especially in baked goods like cakes ,brownies, cookies,cup cakes, custard, ice cream and pudding.

 

[BrianGSDTexoma]

I made some years ago than beans got really expensive. Might have to revisit it.

 

[BrianGSDTexoma]

Looking on Amazon looks like the price not to bad. If anyone happens to order report back on quality.

 

[zwiller]

FORGOT about this thread! BOOKMARKED. I'll definitely be making some someday (rum for sure) but decided to try SVI extract for now. $30 shipped for 4oz bottles of both Madagascar and Tahitian. We have the better vanillas like Nielsen Massey at home and curious how it stacks up.

Heads up beans at SVI are $155/lb.

 

[1MoreFord]

Never mind.

 

[noboundaries]

The price of vanilla beans has dropped from $155 / lb to $99 /lb at Saffron Imports in San Francisco. Their beans are always top notch.

I'm on my last bottle of the four 750ml bottles of pure vanilla extract I made in 2015. I generally let them get half empty then recharge with more vodka.

My last bottle needed recharged but I didn't have any vodka in the house. What I did have was a half empty 1.75L bottle of cheap Canadian Rich and Rare whiskey, which is basically flavored vodka. I've used it exclusively for cooking. A quick taste and it was PERFECT for recharging my last bottle because it tasted more like vanilla than it did whiskey!