Pure Vanilla is from the Vanilla Bean Orchid Plant

The fruit is called a "vanilla bean" because of its shape and color, not because it is a true bean.

After the vines are planted, it can take up to three years before the first blooms appear. The vanilla bean pod grows up to 10 inches long and gradually ripens for about 9 months, eventually turning black. Both the pods and seeds inside are used to create vanilla flavoring. The pods must be cured and dried before being used to create vanilla.

Vanilla is the world's most labor-intensive agricultural crop. Because vanilla is so valuable, vanilla rustling (stealing) has been a problem.

Growers often brand (tattoo) the individual beans when they are green and the markings remain even after they are dried. If someone suspects their beans were stolen, they can report the theft and provide their own distinctive tattoo to the authorities.

Some growers pick their beans before they are fully ripe to keep them from getting stolen. It's best to let the beans ripen on the vine, but picking them early might be the only way to keep them safe.

Photo by toryporter (back... FAR behind!) on Flickr

If you watched the video above, you saw that the Melipona Bee in Mexico is the only insect that pollinates the vanilla orchid. It is suspected that certain hummingbirds may also pollinate the orchid, but hand pollination is the only reliable method.

The vanilla blossoms open in the morning and close in the afternoon, so plantation workers must inspect the plants every day and pollinate the blossoms by hand. Once the blossoms close, they fall off the plant and won't produce a fruit (bean).

Photo by brocktopia on Flickr.

Vanilla extract is made by transferring the flavor of vanilla beans into alcohol. Vodka is most often used because it has a neutral flavor.

The cost of pure vanilla extract depends on the quality of the beans used. In order to meet FDA (Federal Drug Administration in the U.S.) standards, pure vanilla extract must contain 13.35 ounces of vanilla beans per gallon during extraction and 35 percent alcohol.

Pure vanilla extract is a blend of vanilla, alcohol and water. It takes two years for vanilla extract to fully age. The flavor won't improve any more after two years, but vanilla will never deteriorate.

Companies that do not age their extract for the full two years will add syrup or sugar to mellow out the alcohol. These sweeteners are the only other ingredient that the FDA allows to be added to extract and still be labeled Pure Vanilla Extract.

You can buy vanilla extract that hasn't been fully aged and store it in a cool, dark place for two years.

If you don't want alcohol in your vanilla extract, buy "natural vanilla", where the beans have been soaked in glycerin or propylene glycol instead of alcohol.

Using Vanilla Extract

- Use extract in egg batters, like waffle and pancake batters.
- A small amount of extract can be used to cut the acidity in sauces.
- Don't add to hot liquids because the alcohol evaporates, along with some of the vanilla flavor.
- Don't use when baking and cooking where the vanilla will be heated for long periods of time. The heat weakens the flavor, so you may as well use a less expensive version of vanilla.
- Dab some pure vanilla extract on your pulse points and use as a perfume. It'll be a delicate and long lasting aroma. 
- Use a little in a potpourri recipe.

Photo of bundles of dried vanilla beans by acfou on Flickr .

First you need premium grade vanilla beans

Ingredients:
2 Cups (16 oz.) vodka
You may also use Brandy
6 Vanilla Beans

You can easily cut this recipe in half and use 3 vanilla beans and 1 cup of vodka, brandy or rum.

It's best to use glass bottles.

Cut the vanilla beans the long way with a scissors except the last inch. This way the bean stays intact.

Pour the vodka into the container you will be making your extract in.

If you use clear glass, you can see how the extract is developing. The darker it gets the stronger the extract is. There is no exact time that the extract is done, but it's usually around 8 weeks.

Put the cut beans in the vodka and push them down until they are completely covered. They usually won't go down completely on their own so they need to be pushed down even farther.

Cover the vanilla extract and let it sit in a cupboard out of the light.

After 8 weeks the vanilla extract will have a nice amber color.

If you give some vanilla as a gift, you can put a vanilla bean in each bottle. This way the extract will keep gaining in flavor. Add a note that they can add a little vodka when it is halfway used up. It will dilute the vanilla extract for a while, but it will regain strength quickly.

Click here to view this recipe with descriptive photographs

Photo by Ruthieki on Flickr.

=================================================================

NOTE: It takes about two years to completely bring out the flavor of the beans, but the extract can be used earlier. For long term storage, use dark colored bottles or jars to keep out the light.

=================================================================