VANILLA MEXICANA PODS

Why Make Homemade Vanilla Extract?

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 14:47:08 -0800

Homemade Vanilla Extract — Learning how to make vanilla extract at home couldn’t be easier! You need just two ingredients and lots of patience. Homemade vanilla is worth the wait, though!

Why Make Homemade Vanilla Extract?

I love the scent of vanilla in anything from candles to soap, and the flavor of vanilla in baked goods and desserts is second to none. If a recipe calls for one teaspoon vanilla extract, I use at least two; but likely more and use a slow, heavy hand when pouring.

All that pouring makes my food taste amazing, but my wallet doesn’t like it. Store-bought pure vanilla extract is pricey and I can make extremely fast work of a two- or four-ounce bottle that sells for $8.99 to $10.99, and up. Two ounces, that’s for one batch of cookies, right?

Homemade vanilla extract saves money, and even if it didn’t, when it comes to taste and flavor, there is just no comparison. It’s like making Homemade Peanut Butter. Price per ounce not withstanding, the taste and flavor of homemade simply can’t be beat.

When it comes right down to it, homemade everything is almost always better than store bought, and vanilla extract is no exception. I once briefly mentioned that vanilla extract is nearly effortless to make and had quite a few people comment who were surprised by how easy it is or how it’s created. It’s the non-work DIY project, actually.

The only thing special that’s required when making vanilla extract is patience. It won’t be ready for at least six to eight weeks, and if you have the time, longer is fine (it’s preferred actually). If the vanilla beans are left in the jar, the flavor will continue to evolve and mature.

Since I have a steady and abundant supply of rich, intense, and delightful tasting vanilla extract, I don’t feel bad about adding two tablespoons to a batch of cookies. Or more. Sticking my nose in this jar and just breathing in the incredibly smooth, fragrant aroma is...Read More

Making Homemade Vanilla Extract Is Easier Than You Think

Sat, 10 Oct 2020 14:21:02 -0700

Just do it.

Of all the things we've suggested you make from scratch, homemade vanilla extract is maybe the easiest. (Croissants are definitely the hardest.) And, it might be the most rewarding, too. You're going to wonder why in the world you haven't been making your own extract -- why you don't have vanilla beans sitting in a jar with vodka extracting the vanilla flavors from the pod right now. We don't know why. But we do know you can and should change that right now.

There are two main reasons people love making their own vanilla extract. One, it makes awesomely delicious extract. Better than any you've have ever tasted. Two, some folks believe it's a better deal. Real vanilla extract is expensive. Buying a couple of beans and some vodka can be cheaper. Plus, you'll have SO MUCH of this good stuff on hand you'll even be able to give some out as gifts. And people will love you for it.

To make your own extract, you need 1-5 bean pods per cup of vodka -- opinions vary greatly on this -- and a sealable jar to hold it all in. Split the pods open and add them to the jar with vodka. Make sure the pods are completely submerged (you might have to cut them in half so that the pods fit). Seal, store in a cool, dark place and forget about it for a couple of months -- except every week or two, to give the jar a good shake. Once the vodka has turned a beautiful dark amber color, it's ready for baking. (For a more detailed step-by-step recipe, go to our own recipe here and she'll walk you through it.)

If buying fresh vanilla beans only to immediately submerge them in a jar of booze makes you feel upset, there is another option -- a more frugal and equally delicious choice. Read More

Where Vanilla Comes From?

Fri, 06 Sep 2019 19:07:33 -0700

It's About Time You Knew Exactly Where Vanilla Comes From.

Vanilla is one of those powerful ingredients we use all the time, but probably take for granted. Whether it's vanilla extract in your chocolate chip cookies or scraped vanilla beans for custard or ice cream, vanilla is called for in all kinds of recipes. With so many uses and so many different types of vanilla -- from "Bourbon" to Mexican -- vanilla is an omnipresent ingredient whose value cannot be overstated.

As ubiquitous as vanilla is, however, its origin isn't known to everyone. Do you know where vanilla comes from? Vanilla's origin story is anything but... er... vanilla.

Vanilla comes from an orchid.

Vanilla comes from orchids of the genus Vanilla. While the major species of vanilla orchids are now grown around the world, they originally came from Mesoamerica, including parts of modern day Mexico and Guatemala.

The vanilla orchid is a vine-like plant that grows up trees.The vine can grow up to 30 feet long. The most widely used orchid to produce vanilla is the Vanilla planifolia.

The Vanilla planifolia, or Flat-Leaved Vanilla , is the only orchid used for industrial food production. The plant part that is used is the pod.

The vanilla pod is frequently referred to as the bean. The pods are picked when they are still not ripe, and then plunged into hot water and laid out to dry for anywhere from two to six months.

The vanilla pod contains thousands of tiny black seeds.

While these pods can be very expensive, scraping them yields a potent vanilla flavor and the black specs that will color whatever you're baking. They're definitely worth the splurge.

VANILLA MEXICANA PODS

Why Make Homemade Vanilla Extract?

Why Make Homemade Vanilla Extract?

Making Homemade Vanilla Extract Is Easier Than You Think

Where Vanilla Comes From?

Vanilla comes from an orchid.

The vanilla pod contains thousands of tiny black seeds.

Vanilla extract comes from macerating vanilla beans and mixing them with water and...Read More