Vanilla Extract - from Shayla

[cathy79]

Okay, made my first batch yesterday.  I hope I did the right thing.  I split the beans and scrapped out the seeds before putting into the vodka bottle.  Looking forward to the cost savings.  How long should I leave it?  700ml bottle 12 pods.

[andiesenji]

Okay, made my first batch yesterday.  I hope I did the right thing.  I split the beans and scrapped out the seeds before putting into the vodka bottle.  Looking forward to the cost savings.  How long should I leave it?  700ml bottle 12 pods.

You can begin pouring off small amounts after about two months and topping up the bottle with additional vodka if you need to use it.
For gifting, I generally don't begin drawing the liquid off and bottling until it has "aged" at least six months, longer if possible.

[brazen20au]

i just popped my new beans in my bottle and then noticed that a few of the older beans were lookign almost mouldy, is that normal or am i going to kill eveyrone?

i just realised i forgot to split the new beans i put in, am not with it today. have i just wasted them?

[andiesenji]

Just pull the beans out, split and chop them and put them back in the jar.

I've had vanilla beans develop a sort of dusty coating but no obvious molds.  They can develop mold if kept in a moist container but I don't know if the mold might be harmful.  The alcohol has probably killed any active spores. 

I have a vacuum sealer and vac-seal the beans and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.  (I buy them in bulk from a vendor in San Francisco.)

[brazen20au]

i'm not sure if i can pull them out! i would have to tip the lot out i think! i will try though, thanks andie

[judydawn]

I can't find that anyone replied to your post about the Mexican vanilla, and since I am familiar with the subject, here is the answer.
It is not advisable to buy vanilla extract in Mexico because, although the Mexican vanilla beans are excellent for cooking, some of the companies that manufacture the extract "stretch" the volume produced by incorporating tonka beans in their products.
The tonka bean contains a toxic substance called coumarin, which is related to Coumadin, the prescription medication that slows clotting in blood. 
Mexican and other Hispanic people like the stronger flavor and are willing to take the chance of problems but the FDA here has banned it.

http://www.ptinr.com/data/templates/article.aspx?a=850&z=3

I have been making my own vanilla extract for many years and it makes wonderful gifts.  I also make vanilla paste, which is a labor-intensive task which I hope to find will work and be much easier in the TMX. 

  Thanks for that information , sorry it took me so long to respond. Glad I didn't buy any now.

[faffa_70]

Welcome back JD - we have missed you 

[willmac]

Okay just want to check, as I want to make this and make sure I am doing it correctly. I open and scrape the bean and add everything to the vodka, is that correct. Can't wait to make this, off to order vanilla beans now.

Kay

[faffa_70]

hmm I just split my beans and added them to the vodka 

[Nay-nay]

Mmmm that all I did too faffa  Just ran and had a look as I have put it away and out of sight to cure. Nothing visible from the outside but when I opened lid some little black floaties on top and in lid - is this mold or bacteria - can't see how seeing it's alcohol 

[andiesenji]

Don't pay attention to the floaters. 

You will get a better result if you shake the container every day or so.  Be absolutely sure the lid is sealed on tightly - I speak from experience and have a sweatshirt that still has a faint vanilla aroma after many washings.

In this case it isn't "Persistence of Memory"  but Persistence of Scent!

[Thermomixer]

I think the floaters may be oils released from the pods ??  But they will be safe.

[Nay-nay]

oh - good!  It's been pretty hard trying to keep everyones hands off the stuff! 

[faffa_70]

Off to shake, now I need to remember to do that too as I have it put away out of sight!! *sigh* just another thing for my poor brain lol

[cathy79]

Faffa, my bottle is in the cupboard near the dishwashing liquid.  So it reminds me every day at least once.