What is the acceptable vanilla:vodka range for homemade vanilla extract?
I am extremely bad at getting the seeds out of my vanilla beans. So I started putting the "used" beans (which still have at least 1/3 of their seeds) in a small jar with some vodka, and using the liquid as "neverending vanilla extract".
There are recipes for vanilla extract out there, but they assume that one would put an exact amount of vanilla beans and vodka together once, then wait, so they give a single ratio. I can't meet this ratio always, but I want to know what the acceptable range is. So:
- what is the lower bound of vanilla per ml of vodka so that below that bound, the extract will give a baking good more of a vodka taste than a vanilla taste?
- what is the upper bound of vanilla per ml of vodka so that above that bound, the aroma isn't getting extracted due to oversaturation?
I want to know these bounds so I can adjust the vodka a bit whenever I add more vanilla beans.
Best Answer
According to this recipe, the federally mandated minimum is 0.8 oz per cup - the recipe recommends at least 1 oz per cup for anyone who isn't extracting it with industrial equipment, or about 30g of vanilla bean per 250mL of vodka.
There isn't an upper bound given, but while I have seen "double-strength" extracts containing twice the vanilla, I haven't seen anything stronger, so I would say 60g per 250mL alcohol would be a reasonable upper limit.
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Does vodka quality matter for vanilla extract?
The better the quality of the Vodka, the cleaner and smoother it is. For vanilla extract, smoother and cleaner means you get to taste stronger tones of vanilla. The vast majority of Vodka is 80 proof or 40% alcohol.What kind of vodka should I use to make vanilla extract?
What Alcohol to Use? Vodka has the most neutral flavor, but you can also use bourbon, brandy, or rum to create unique extracts. There's no need to use a top-shelf or high-proof alcohol when making vanilla extract. An inexpensive 40% (80 proof) alcohol will work just fine.How much vodka do you need for vanilla extract?
For best flavor you'll want 4-5 vanilla beans for every 8 ounces (1 cup) of vodka. The quality of the vanilla beans is more important than the quality of the alcohol, so you don't need to buy an expensive bottle. Alcohol: 80 proof Vodka, (or brandy, rum, or bourbon, if preferred, for different flavor).What percentage of alcohol should be in vanilla extract?
Vanilla extract doesn't just rely on alcohol to extract the essential flavors and fragrances from the vanilla bean and suspend them in a stable solution\u2014it's also required by law to have an alcohol content of at least 35 percent.What is the best vodka to use for homemade vanilla extract? We review several brands to help.
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Images: Julias Torten und Törtchen, Pixabay, Monserrat Soldú, Pixabay