Vanilla matters - so easy to make your own!

Vanilla matters!!

Vanilla is an ingredient that enhances sweet desserts, cakes, ice creams and icing. However not all vanilla is the same and many supermarket varieties are made with synthetic vanillin and lack the depth and complexity of flavour found in pure vanilla. Even if labelled as “pure”, many extracts may contain added sugar, fillers or preservatives which don’t support good health.

Pure vanilla pods contain hundreds of flavour compounds that contribute to their rich and complex aroma.

Now it’s so easy to make at home with our Homemade Vanilla Extract Kit. These Tahitian variety vanilla pods are free of pesticides and grown using organic methods without artificial fertilizers. These are the ingredient of choice for many executive chefs due to their superior flavour and high quality.

 Vanilla extract – Standard method using alcohol

1. Split vanilla pods down the middle, cut into small pieces and insert in bottle.
2. Fill bottle with vodka or white rum and shake mixture every few days.
3. Allow vanilla to infuse into the liquid for at least 8 weeks or longer for a more intense flavour.
4. When vanilla extract has been used, dry leftover vanilla pieces and use a coffee grinder to make ground vanilla powder.

 

Vanilla extract - Alcohol free method

140ml food grade glycerine
140ml water

1. Split vanilla pods down the middle and cut into small pieces.
2. Place glycerine and water in a small saucepan, along with cut vanilla pods.
3. Bring to the boil then allow to cool completely.
4. Reinsert cut vanilla pods in bottle then pour in liquid to cover pods.
5. Shake mixture every few days.
6. Allow vanilla to infuse into the liquid for at least 8 weeks or longer for an intense flavour.
7. When vanilla extract has been used, dry leftover vanilla pieces and use a coffee grinder to make ground vanilla powder.

Note: The boiling method achieves the best possible extract as glycerine is less effective as a solvent compared to alcohol.

Organic food grade glycerine can be found online at places like this:
https://envirochemonline.com.au/products/glycerine?variant=31439472721962