How Can I Buy Vanilla?

Vanilla Beans: Look for plump, shiny vanilla beans, and stay away from those that look dry. To test the quality of the beans, shake the bottle when you’re at the store. If the beans clink inside, it means they’re dry. Vanilla Extract: Check the label of the vanilla extract you’re buying.

How is vanilla sold?

Vanilla is most commonly traded in pods (i.e. beans), but vanilla powder can also be found on the market. Vanilla extract, used as a flavour in the food industry and as a fragrance in the cosmetics industry.

Can you buy pure vanilla?

There’s no beating McCormick’s Pure Vanilla Extract in taste, value, and broad availability. Made from Madagascar vanilla beans, water, and alcohol, this extract will give your recipes that classic vanilla flavor without any artificial ingredients.

How much does real vanilla cost?

Vanilla extract which comes from the real vanilla plant is far more expensive. The average price for vanilla extract is $20 for four ounces. That price has increased over the years, however. You can now expect to pay $300 per pound of extract.

Is there a difference between pure vanilla and vanilla extract?

Vanilla in its pure form is a combination of vanilla bean extract, water and glycerin. A typical vanilla extract, however, is a combination of vanilla bean extract, water and sufficient quantity of alcohol. The glycerin is not present in vanilla extract.

How long does vanilla last?

Pure vanilla extract has an indefinite shelf life and doesn’t really go bad. Please note that the extract has an alcohol base, and alcohol tends to very slowly evaporate after the first opening of the bottle. That means that after a few years you might notice that the flavor of the extract is slightly more intense.

How much is a bottle of vanilla extract?

Vanilla Is More Expensive Than Ever
Right now, the folks at Nielsen-Massey say vanilla is about 62 cents per teaspoon—an 8-ounce bottle retails for about $29 and contains 47 teaspoon-sized servings.

Why is Mexican vanilla so cheap?

Artificial vanilla extract is affordable, and is the vanilla extract predominantly sold in countries that produce vanilla beans. This is the paradox of vanilla’s hand-crafted production. That’s why in Mexico, even though the country grows very fine beans, artificial vanillas dominate the market.

Can you get drunk off vanilla extract?

Pure vanilla extract is 70 proof and is just a little less than a bottle of vodka. The FDA standards require pure vanilla extract contain a minimum of 35% alcohol. Getting intoxicated on vanilla is as easy as with any other liquor.

How much does 16 oz of pure vanilla cost?

McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract – 16 oz Bottle only $22.79 shipped!

Can I grow vanilla?

Botanically, vanilla is considered “semi-epiphytic.” This means gardeners can plant it in the ground or grow it as an epiphyte, an air plant. The vine is perennial and can reach a length of over 200 feet. Natural vanilla extract comes from the seed pods of the orchid. These pods are the “vanilla beans.”

What color is pure vanilla?

It is true that Vanilla beans are brown in color and it is interesting that with this brown color ingredient, Vanilla Ice Cream is still white. Well, the vast majority of vanilla flavoring comes in the form of extract. Vanilla beans are very expensive and pure Vanilla has great flavor.

Where is the best vanilla from?

Madagascar
Combined with the hot, humid climate and rich soil, hand pollination by the country’s skilled and patient farmers has enabled Madagascar to become the world’s top vanilla producer in both quantity and quality.

What vanilla do professional bakers use?

Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Extract
It has an incredible floral aroma that shines through even after baking, and you can tell it’s quality from the taste alone. If you use vanilla primarily for cookies, cakes and anything baked, this one will impress.

How do you know if vanilla is pure?

To be labeled Pure Vanilla Extract, a gallon measure must contain 13.35% vanilla bean extractives (10-ounces of moisture-free solids), 35% alcohol, and the balance in distilled water. What is not listed in the Standard of Identity is sugar, corn syrup, caramel color or any other additives pure vanilla may contain.

Why does pure vanilla cost so much?

Vanilla prices have climbed so high it’s worth more by weight than silver. This increase in price has to do with a number of factors, including vanilla bean theft, complex pollination, extreme weather, and the rise of the “all natural” food movement.

Is 20 year old vanilla still good?

Vanilla extract less than 10 years old will most likely retain it’s full flavor. But vanilla extract older than ten years will be safe to consume if stored properly. The only issue is that the flavor may be weaker than a new bottle of extract.

Should I refrigerate vanilla extract?

Kitchen cupboards are usually a great place to keep your vanilla extract, as long as you do not store it over a stove or near a heat source. Also, do not store vanilla extract in the refrigerator or freezer as low temperatures will cause vanilla extract to become cloudy.

What is the best vanilla in the world?

Tahitian vanilla beans
Tahitian vanilla beans that are derived from the vanilla plant in Papua New Guinea are regarded as the ‘best of the best’ in the vanilla world. The bean is wider and flatter than the more common Bourbon beans and when cured, is fruity and floral on the nose.

Is McCormick real vanilla?

Made with Madagascar vanilla beans, McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract is prized for flavor, aroma and quality. Creating pure vanilla extract takes patience, and McCormick has long-standing relationships with experienced vanilla bean growers. Our pure vanilla extract is also non-GMO, free of corn syrup and gluten-free.

Is vanilla extract healthy?

Using vanilla as a sugar substitute also can reduce high blood glucose levels and help you lead a more heart-healthy lifestyle. The alcohol in vanilla extract can numb some toothache pain, while its antioxidants may provide healing effects.