Vanilla extract
PantryVanilla extract is an essential ingredient in any baker’s kitchen. From a batch of chocolate chip cookies to a decadent vanilla cake, some baked goods just wouldn’t be the same without a dash or two of vanilla extract. You’ve likely used it before, but what exactly is vanilla extract? Vanilla extract is made from vanilla beans, which aren’t actually beans at all! Vanilla beans are long, brown pods that are filled with thousands of tiny brown specks responsible for that delicious vanilla flavor. These are the same little brown specks you’ll often find in vanilla bean flavored ice cream. Madagascar is the largest producer of vanilla beans in the world, growing 80 percent of the world’s crop. Pure vanilla extract is made by macerating or soaking vanilla bean pods in a solution of alcohol and water. What’s left is a dark amber-colored liquid with a noticeably fragrant vanilla aroma. However, not all vanilla flavoring is created equal. There are also imitation vanilla extracts, often labeled as “vanilla essence,” that are artificially derived from synthetic vanillin, corn syrup, and wood byproducts that may contain chemicals. Although imitation vanilla can be a more affordable alternative to the pricier pure vanilla extract, when substituting the two, you’ll need to use twice as much imitation vanilla to equal the fragrant flavor of pure vanilla. When shopping for vanilla extract, look for bottles labeled as “pure vanilla extract” with only the following ingredients: vanilla beans, alcohol, and water. This way, you can be sure you’re getting the real thing with no additives mixed in. Pure vanilla extract can be quite expensive. This is due to the labor-intensive process that comes with harvesting the vanilla beans. Once purchased, pure vanilla extract can be stored for years in a dark pantry or cabinet with its flavor sometimes growing even better with age.
Vanilla extract nutrition and vitamin info per 100g
| Energy | 288 | kcal |
| Total Fat | 0.05999999865889549 | g |
| Carbohydrate Total | 12.649999618530273 | g |
| Sugars | 12.649999618530273 | g |
| Protein | 0.05999999865889549 | g |
| Sodium | 9 | mg |
| Fiber | 0 | g |
10000+ recipes to cook with Vanilla extract
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Vanilla extract substitutes
- Regular substitute
Vanilla extract equivalents and varieties
- Alcohol free vanilla extract
- No sugar added vanilla extract
- Bourbon vanilla extract
- Madagascar vanilla extract
- Pure vanilla extract
Vanilla extract cooking tips
Samsung FoodVanilla extract is a flavor enhancer associated with sweet dishes, but it is great for adding depth and complexity to savory dishes as well!
- Samsung Food
Over time, you might notice sediment at the bottom of your vanilla extract bottle. Just shake it and you can use it: vanilla extract has an unlimited shelf life.
- Samsung Food
Vanilla extract should come in a dark-colored bottle to keep light out.