Last post I teased that there was a project on the way and if you follow me on TikTok (which, I’m assuming is where the majority of you learned about this blog) then you may have already seen it! Homemade vanilla extract is something that any baker should make at least once in their lifetime. I finally bit the bullet and started my own. While I will be detailing the process, this blog post won’t inherently be a recipe. That will come in 6 (or more) months’ time when my extract has been tested and is ready for use. But feel free to start your own now and follow me in this journey!
When searching for the best way to go about this project, I came across a rather intriguing company. Vanilla, alongside coffee and chocolate, straddles the line that defines fair trade products. And recently, I’ve been trying to be more mindful of the ingredients I purchase and use in my baking. I opt for products from brands such as Guittard and King Arthur Baking while also heading over to a local farm for fresh eggs every other week (you can even see the hens in the distance!). I’m happy to say that I can now add Native Vanilla to that list. From their eco-friendly packaging to their sustainable products, I can’t wait to try more from them!
When the DIY Vanilla Extract Kit arrived, and one immediate thought entered my mind: I feel like a pirate … halt your judgment until hearing me out. The kit came in a wooden box (which I can’t wait to repurpose) and includes 1 bottle and cork, 10 grade B Tahitian vanilla beans, and a label to track the date of your extract. When I say this bottle is nice, it is N I C E. Native Vanilla certainly wasn’t lying when they described it as an “Exquisite 375 ml clear glass bottle imported from Italy”. I must be missing the Disney parks more than I realize because all I could imagine was Captain Jack Sparrow running around with his bottle of rum as I held it in my hands.
The kit came with recommended instructions, which I closely followed:
Alcohol
The only thing this kit did not include was alcohol, which comes down to personal preference. I took the vodka route as it is the most neutral, but rum, brandy, and bourbon are all great options. I was surprised to discover that there’s even an alcohol-free method! If using alcohol, 80 proof is recommended, and there’s no need to splurge.
Ratios
One thing to note: this makes what’s known as 2-fold or double fold vanilla extract. This is determined by the ratio of alcohol to vanilla beans- the more pods you add, the stronger the extract. The general rule is 4 beans to every 8 oz is a single fold, while 5-6 beans to every 8 oz is a double. This kit comes with 10 beans and my bottle held approx. 12 oz. The beans are also considered “Grade B” which is preferable for making extract.
Time
Another factor that affects the quality of your extract is time. Theoretically, you could leave your extract for a minimum of 6-8 weeks before using it. On the other hand, many have equated vanilla extract to winemaking- it always improves with age. That is why I will be going the full 6-12 months before even testing my extract. Time helps to strengthen and make a more concentrated flavor. When you finally break into the extract, it can be topped off with more vodka to prolong the use of the beans without massively affecting the strength of the flavor. Also, during the aging process, the extract should always be stored in a dark and cool place, such as a kitchen cabinet, and shaken once a week. That’s why you typically see store-bought extracts in dark or amber containers!
It’s been approximately 1 month now, and here’s where my extract is at. There’s already a significant color change in the vodka and many of the seeds have released from the pods. Though I will not be tasting it just yet, I can confirm that it already smells heavenly.
Even though I have to wait a year to share my full experience of making homemade vanilla extract, there are plenty of great tutorials out there. If you’re eager to get started on your own, don’t wait! I’ve compiled a list of great sources below that can help you in getting started. Just like the majority of baking, there are a million different ways to not only make but also maintain your vanilla extract. So, feel free to read and watch through these and see what works best for you! Come this time next year, I’ll share my results, as well as any tips or alterations I recommend and where I’m going from there.
Recommended Tutorials:
I would like to clarify that I am not sponsored by Native Vanilla, but I highly recommend their products! They share both their DIY Vanilla Extract Kit (what I used) and a blog post to do it on your own. I would like to note are some disparities between the two instructions, as the kit produces a double fold extract while the blog post makes a single fold. Also, if you want to make an alcohol-free version, they share a post on that too!
I’ve mentioned Simply Klaire’s blog in the past, and I highly recommend following her if you’re also interested in more practical DIYs, sustainability, and traditional art. Her method is one of the simplest ways of making vanilla extract. She also suggests adding some citrus peels for a more unique flavor! Klaire recommends having 2 bottles going at the same time, one for use and one that’s aging. That way you have a constant supply of extract going.
Claire Saffitz
Claire Saffitz very recently shared her homemade vanilla extract. Her method is by far one of the most unique I’ve come across. She treats vanilla extract almost like a sourdough starter, adding high-quality store-bought extract to the mix of vanilla pods and vodka. She also maintains the same ongoing extract, topping off with more liquid as time goes on and never removing beans. Definitely something to keep in mind when you start using your extract!
Still wanting to more?
Here are several more blog posts that go more in-depth on the process and significance behind each step.
-Sally's Baking Addiction: Homemade Vanilla Extract
-The Daring Gourmet: How To Make the BEST Vanilla Extract
-The Kitchn: How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract
-they also provide recommendations for how to store your extract
