Time possesses magic. It transforms bland rum into an essence with an alluring aroma after being steeped in vanilla pods for six months. 【Determining the Flavor】 Generally, vanilla extract is based on alcohol. According to the US FDA, vanilla extract must have an alcohol content of 35% or higher. It can be made using vodka, rum, brandy, whiskey, gin, or any spirit with an alcohol content of 35% or higher. ⚠️ Using vodka or rum is recommended because their light and refreshing taste is ideal for highlighting the aroma of vanilla pods. 【Choosing Vanilla Pods】❓ Vanilla is the fruit of the vanilla orchid, which is actually a type of orchid. Cultivated on the east coast of Mexico in the 14th century, it was pollinated by bees. At that time, vanilla was considered a valuable commodity and was even used as a gift by the Aztecs in their conquests. In the 19th century, with the development of artificial pollination methods, vanilla orchids were introduced to Madagascar, which has become the main vanilla-growing region today. "Madagascar (Bourbon vanilla)" ▪️ Also known as bourbon vanilla, it has the narrowest vanilla pods and a strong, sweet flavor. Originally, bourbon vanilla referred to vanilla pods cultivated in Reunion Island, Madagascar, and small islands in the Indian Ocean, produced from *V. planifolia*. It undergoes hot water blanching during processing. Now, Indonesia and China also primarily use this variety for flavoring. Bourbon vanilla is highly prized for its high vanillin content and strong aroma, making it the most popular variety. Major producing regions worldwide mainly cultivate this species. "Tahiti vanilla" ▪️ has the largest and softest vanilla pods, with a delicate flavor. Produced from *V. xtahitensis* grown on small Pacific islands, its aroma differs from bourbon vanilla, and it is sweeter, but has a lower vanillin content. While its aroma is not as strong as bourbon vanilla, its lower yield and thicker, more seed-rich pods result in a higher price. "Mexican vanilla" ▪️ has a thicker pod and a more intense flavor. Mexican vanilla is produced from vanilla pods grown in Mexico as *V. planifolia*. It is not blanched in hot water during processing, resulting in lower prices due to inconsistent quality. Furthermore, the Mexican method of processing vanilla pods prevents crystallization. ⚠️Every type of vanilla has its own characteristics. For desserts, it is recommended to use vanilla extract made from high-quality Madagascar vanilla. 【Preparation Method】 ▪️Ratio: 1 vanilla pod (approximately 4-5g) corresponds to 100ml of vodka. To achieve a richer aroma quickly, increase the amount of vanilla pod. ▪️Sealed Bottle: Used to hold the vanilla pod and alcohol, ensuring a tight seal. ✏️Store vanilla extract (vanilla liqueur) in a cool, dark place, away from light. ✏️No Refrigeration Required: Due to the antibacterial properties of alcohol, vanilla extract does not require refrigeration. ✏️Regular Shaking: Gently shake the bottle occasionally to promote aroma release.
Materials
Homemade Natural Vanilla Extract in FL: Baking Principles and Steps
Cut the vanilla pods into sections (or halve them and scrape out the seeds) to make it easier for the alcohol to extract the vanilla aroma. ⚠️No matter how you cut the vanilla pods, do not grind them into small pieces. This will prevent the need for an extra filtering step later. Also, grinding the vanilla pod shells into small pieces will release more bitterness, so it is recommended to cut them to a suitable length.
Add vodka or rum to the bottle according to the preparation ratio, then place vanilla pods (and vanilla seeds) into the sealed bottle, ensuring the bottle is tightly sealed, and you can mark the preparation date on the bottle.
Store the bottle in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months to allow the vanilla extract to develop a richer flavor. Gently shake the bottle every 2-3 weeks during this period to promote even release of the aroma.
