Vanilla Beans

« WellTellMe • Forum • Natural Health • Nutrition & Food • Seasonings, Spices & Salt • Vanilla Beans »

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #180 on: August 02, 2008, 10:05:13 PM » by hi_itsgwen

If you're looking for a kid-safe vanilla without alcohol, you could make a vanilla sugar by putting your bean in a sealed jar with the granulated sweetner of your choice and letting it sit and steep. Another thought would be a vanilla tea made with a small amount of boiling water, and lotsa chopped beans. Let it steep for a long time, and shake the jar every day.

There are some great guidelines for extracting and preparing herbs and teas (these may also work for your vanilla) listed here: http://www.bulkherbstore.com/preparing-remedies

HTH!

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #181 on: August 02, 2008, 10:17:35 PM » by hi_itsgwen

Quote from: petrimama on May 22, 2008, 06:56:18 PM

I searched this thread and didn't see any recipes for extracting the scent from the beans. Do I need an EO? I don't know, but I assume I can't get the EO myself at home, right? I am hoping to get my own vanilla scent for lotions/soaps, perfume & air freshener. ~L

All of the recipes for vanilla extract are extracting scent. Scent and flavor are pretty much synonamous.

On a side note, I read a really fascinating article that said that baking chocolate at high temperatures releases lots of the yummy volatile oils, so the house smells great, but the cake no longer tastes as chocolatey. So things that bake at lower temperatures, and for less time are way more chocolatey. Cool huh!?! I think this principle works for other flavors and scents as well. I have been told that Vodka is tasteless, so it is the alcohol of choice for making extracts.

For health and beauty purposes, you could try making vanilla scented oil with the oil of your choice. I'd do an experiment first by heating a bean in a small amount of oil over low heat and see what you get. (Ever made garlic oil? Same process...just more yummy

) Don't split the bean unless you don't mind floaties and seeds in the oil.

HTH!

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #182 on: November 25, 2008, 10:17:59 AM » by Rikki

Quote from: 4myhoonie on November 25, 2008, 09:38:50 AM

Quote from: 4myhoonie on November 24, 2008, 10:13:14 PM

Quote from: 4myhoonie on November 24, 2008, 10:21:49 AM

i am going to be placing an order for beans from vanilla man, and wondered if anyone would want some, split up a 1/2 pound once or several ways. PM me if you are interested and how many.

hi gals! it looks like there are four of us wanting to split them up. i put an email in to team vanilla and asked their pound and 1/2 pound prices. so i will let you all know soon.

ok, i got the info back and it looks like 2 of us could split a 1/2 pound that the other two also so save on shipping it around. from him the shipping is included. the prices are:

"Current vanilla bean prices are $12.00 for 8 beans (this includes shipping and handling) and $48.00 for 1/2 lb (again S & H included)."

we could each have a 1/4 pound for $24, and it would cost one of the two people a couple bucks for shipping it. so far i have kittyninja, jenny4wen and boysmama, and me wanting to split. so does anyone volunteer to order besides me? or i could just order it all. it would probably be $26 a 1/4 pound with shipping. not bad! let me know what you think!

I just ordered 2 lbs for $50! They were really awesome beans too!! Just letting y'all know!

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #183 on: November 25, 2008, 10:42:13 AM » by Kati*did

Quote from: Rikki on November 25, 2008, 10:17:59 AM

I just ordered 2 lbs for $50! They were really awesome beans too!! Just letting y'all know!

Where'd you get them?

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #184 on: November 25, 2008, 10:56:45 AM » by Rikki

Quote from: Kati*did on November 25, 2008, 10:42:13 AM

Quote from: Rikki on November 25, 2008, 10:17:59 AM

I just ordered 2 lbs for $50! They were really awesome beans too!! Just letting y'all know!

Where'd you get them?

on ebay - seller's name was vanillaproducts.
I got 1 lb of gourmet grade A and 1 lb grade B. grade a would be perfect for using the seeds in cooking and grade b for making extract. Even though I did use some grade A for my extract as well. I have ordered online before, but I was really impressed by quality of these beans. And 2 lbs is A LOT of beans!! My friend and I bought them together and split them.

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #185 on: November 25, 2008, 12:59:06 PM » by Rikki

What is y'all's main reason for getting the beans? Making extract? You can get 1 lb of extract grade for only $10. There are a lot of different varieties, I happened to get the most expensive, Madagascar Bourbon gourmet grade A. You can even get Tahitian grade A for $22. So it just depends on what you're using them for!! here is the link to his products:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/vanillaproducts?_trkparms=72%253A1205%257C66%253A2%257C65%253A12%257C39%253A1&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_pgn=2

« Last Edit: November 25, 2008, 01:03:12 PM by Rikki »
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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #186 on: November 25, 2008, 04:44:33 PM » by boysmama

I like supporting stuff like vanillaman's project so it's worth a couple $$ to me to go with his, but I like saving money too. Grin

I'd prefer mid or grade A instead of extract grade, but I have not tried the extract grade. Wherever you order from I'll be in for 1/8 of a lb. So are you splitting 1/2 lb 4 ways?
If you order off ebay from vanilla product then whoever does the order will get at least 10 free beans. Wink

PM me if you'd like me to volunteer to do the order. It will be the 1st of Dec. before I can do it.

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #187 on: November 25, 2008, 05:12:07 PM » by Nickole

Just FYI, I have ordered from vanillaproducts ebay seller many times, and they have excellent quality beans and good service. I got the grade B bourbon extract grade per his ("Bruce" I think he is) instructions and they make great extract. You want about 15 beans in a 5th of vodka. I believe that is what his listing advises, and boy that advise has made some dark vanilla. Niiiice. Twice as many beans as I used to use, and I got light colored vanilla before, that still had a lot of alcohol smell. Cut them up in inch long pieces. Shake once a day and voila in a month you have nice dark rich vanilla. :-)

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #188 on: November 27, 2008, 06:10:10 PM » by daisey

I ordered and was surprised to find that vanilla beans aren't dry! Can someone tell me how well they keep or should I try sell them to my friends. I got 1/4 lb. of the gourmet Madagascar beans. I really like the smell and am going to try make extract. I put some in sugar to see if I can get some vanilla sugar to use in my --sh---coffee. Grin

I have put them in my pantry which is cool but mostly not as cold as the fridge. Does this sound right? Thanks.

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #189 on: November 27, 2008, 11:08:34 PM » by Rikki

I would like to know how long they last as well! I know that you need to triple wrap them in plastic to keep them moist, and do NOT put them in the fridge! So sounds like you're doing the right thing! But I would like to know how long they keep!

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #190 on: November 28, 2008, 12:57:53 PM » by daisey

When I ordered my 1/4 pound of gourmet Madagascar beans I got 10 free Tahitian grade B beans for free. It was only $14.95 so I am thinking no matter what you order they throw in some free ones. Still am not sure about how long they will last. Maybe I should just get them in vodka to make extract.

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #191 on: December 05, 2008, 12:18:02 AM » by kittyninja

ok so i may be getting some now and i have a question!! the thread says that the beans can be reused and reused but then it is recommended to split the beans and scrape the insides and then if you don't strain and just use the flecks to wouldn't the spend them? you lose vanilla so then they can't be reused and reused right? so it is best just to split lengthwise and then into converable sizes to be able to reuse? anyone have kept their beans for awhile successfully?

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #192 on: December 08, 2008, 03:13:38 PM » by healthybratt

I appreciate what you all are doing for one another, but can we please move the ordering phase to PMs.

Thank you. Wink

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #193 on: December 08, 2008, 04:07:19 PM » by Rikki

Kitty ninja, I chunk mine after all the vanilla is gone. I made a huge bottle last year and just used the rest this month. I never strained mine and kept the beans in the bottle all year.

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #194 on: December 09, 2008, 11:02:52 AM » by kittyninja

Thank you Rikki!!
i found this info and thought i'd share. some might already know this.
Choosing Vanilla Beans
Vocabulary for describing bean quality seems to vary a bit between vendors, which can make it more difficult to know exactly what you're getting. To cut through the confusion, this instructable uses the following quality labeling: Vanilla beans are graded A and B.

* Grade 'A' beans (also called gourmet or prime). These beans are oily and moist. Really excellent beans may have vanillin crystals on the outside, these will melt back into the bean if heated. There are about 100 to 120 grade 'A' beans (6-7 inch) per pound (7.5 per oz). The beans are visually attractive so that they can be a feature ingredient in gourmet cuisine. 30% - 35% moisture content.
* Grade 'B' beans (also called extract beans). These beans are less moist and also less attractive. But don't worry, because the flavor isn't in the water. There are about 140 to 160 grade 'B' beans (6-7 inch) per pound (10 per oz). 15% - 25% moisture content.

For the purposes of making vanilla extract, we want to use Grade B beans whenever possible. "Why?", you may ask. "Isn't gourmet always better?" NO.

* Grade B beans have less water weight. You get more bean for the buck because you're not paying for water. This also means that less water ends up in your extract.
* With Grade A you pay for appearance, which doesn't matter to us.
* We get the same beans as Grade A, but at a fraction of the cost.

Gourmet is OK when extract beans are not available, but always get Grade B if you can. I received the pictured beans as a gift before doing research for this instructable. You might see Grade A beans being used where I would now use Grade B.

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #195 on: December 17, 2008, 09:59:02 AM » by lovingmomof2

Has anyone found anything on making vanilla with glycerin? Those that did the experimenting do you like the vodka best for making vanilla extract or something else? What kind of bottles do you use to make the vanilla in?

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #196 on: December 17, 2008, 10:01:30 AM » by prairiechild

I am using vodka and rum, 9 parts vodka to one part rum. I am doing one liter batches, so just using quart size jars.

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #197 on: December 17, 2008, 10:06:06 AM » by Mrs. B

Quote from: lovingmomof2 on December 17, 2008, 09:59:02 AM

I have mine in an old glass decanter. The glass is clear so i keep it put up inside the cabinet. i do use vodka and have had what I feel to be a good vanilla. To use I pour off some of the vanilla from the decanter into a amber glass jar. I then top off the decanter with more vodka. Mine's been going for over a year and still looks, smells, and tastes like it should IMO>
My only concern with the glycerin is the sweetness factor along with the texture. It is a bit more 'syrupy' than what vodka or other alcohols would be, and might affect more delicate recipes when used.

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #198 on: December 17, 2008, 10:49:21 AM » by Rikki

Quote from: kittyninja on December 09, 2008, 11:02:52 AM

I think that the gourmet are used more in recipes where it calls for actual vanilla beans, like ice cream, and certain creams and puddings. Grade B is more for extract.
loving mom of 2, I have used both bourboon and vodka when making vanilla and didn't notice much of a difference either way. Tha main thing was the smell of the alchohol at the beginnning of the process. But by the end they both looked adn smelled almost the same! I've never made one with glycerin either.

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #199 on: January 24, 2009, 09:14:14 PM » by Amos

Hi there - I bought some vanilla beans in December and just got around to making the vanilla a couple days ago (Thurs). I had a hard time cutting the beans open because they were so "leathery" and on the small side. Scraping them out seemed impossible, so I didn't bother. Being a little impatient anyway Grin

, I had the bright idea to use my little coffee grinder on the last few beans I was putting in-- that should slice them up!! Actually, it worked like a charm - pulverized them. Has anyone ever done this? Anyway, I added them in and it seems to be practically done already!! After 2 days!! My vanilla is dark and already smells exactly like my Trader Joes Bourbon Vanilla Extract, infact maybe a little stronger. I made it with a whole liter of vodka and 20 beans (like I said, on the small side) Only about 5 were used in the grinder, the others cut open and into 1-inch pieces . I will still leave it go for a while. Of course I will need to strain it well to get the specs out if I am going to give any away. Does anyone see a downside to this quick version?

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #200 on: January 26, 2009, 02:47:41 PM » by Kati*did

I can't think why that wouldn't be fine if you don't mind sifting it. Personally, I would still let it sit for the suggested time even though it seems ready. It could be that by grinding it up, the smell is stronger even though the extracting might not be thorough. But I don't know...just a thought.

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #201 on: January 26, 2009, 03:37:37 PM » by Amos

I think you are exactly right! I tasted a little today and it still has a very strong alcohol taste, but not as much vanilla as I expected. Thanks.

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #202 on: March 08, 2009, 04:08:15 PM » by WellTellMommy

I bought w-m vanilla beans a long time ago and never did any thing with them so this week dh brought home 151o rum or 75.5% I took my 4 little dried beans cut them and put them in a jelly jar with 2/3 rum 1/3 water will this turn out ok?

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #203 on: March 08, 2009, 05:43:46 PM » by jenny4wen

The alcohol is what extracts the vanilla flavor from the beans, and being it's so strong, I imagine it will work fine watering it down. It just might not have a taste you desire when it's done. Let us know.

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #204 on: March 09, 2009, 07:19:16 PM » by WellTellMommy

would adding water change the taste that much?
I just knew my alcohol content was strong and with tinctures HB talked about adding water to bring the alcohol level down.

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #205 on: March 10, 2009, 10:59:45 AM » by jenny4wen

adding the water was a good choice, I was meaning the flavor of the alcohol you ended up using. Since it had such strong alcohol, the flavor itself probably isn't that what a bottle of Jim Beam will be with the vanilla. Just speculating. I think it will work just fine, and you seemed to water it down to a good ratio for the alcohol to extract the vanilla flavor. Just the choice of "booze" will have an effect of the over all flavor of your extract when you're done and baking with it. Curious what you think of it when it's done. Let us know! Cheesy

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