COMMON QUERIES

How to use Vanilla Pods?

 

Vanilla pods, with their intoxicating aroma and rich flavour, are a delightful ingredient that can elevate any dish or dessert. These slender, dark brown pods are harvested from the vanilla orchid and are widely regarded as one of the most popular spices in the world. The true magic of vanilla lies in its tiny, black seeds nestled inside the pods. To unlock their full potential, the pods need to be split open, revealing the fragrant seeds. These seeds can be scraped out and used in a variety of culinary creations, imparting a distinctive sweet and floral taste. From baked goods like cakes, and pastries to creamy custards, ice creams, and even savoury dishes, vanilla pods add depth and complexity to recipes, turning them into indulgent delights.

Beyond their culinary applications, vanilla pods have also found their way into other uses. The seeds can be used to infuse flavour into beverages, such as hot chocolate, coffee, and cocktails. Additionally, the pods themselves can be used to make vanilla-infused sugar or vanilla extract. To make vanilla extract, simply steep the pods in alcohol, like vodka, for several weeks to allow the flavours to meld together. The resulting extract can be used in various recipes, providing a concentrated burst of vanilla essence. 

​

How to store Vanilla Pods?

​

Proper storage is essential to preserve the quality and freshness of vanilla pods, ensuring they retain their delightful aroma and flavour over time. Vanilla pods are susceptible to moisture, heat, and light, which can diminish their potency. To maintain their optimal quality, it is important to store vanilla pods in a cool, dark, and dry place.

One of the best ways to store vanilla pods is by placing them in an airtight container or a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. This helps protect them from exposure to air and moisture. It's also advisable to store the pods away from direct sunlight, as UV rays can degrade their flavour. A cool pantry or cupboard is an ideal location for storing vanilla pods.

To further extend their shelf life, you can also consider vacuum-sealing the pods. Vacuum-sealed bags or containers help minimise air contact, which slows down the process of flavour degradation. We ship most of our vanilla pods in vacuum packets.

Remember that vanilla pods tend to dry out over time, so it's a good practice to periodically check on them. If the pods become dry and brittle, they may have lost some of their potency. However, even slightly dried-out vanilla pods can still be used in recipes that involve steeping or infusing, where they can release their flavour over time.

By following these storage tips, you can ensure that your precious vanilla pods remain fresh and fragrant, ready to be used in your culinary adventures whenever you need them.

​

How do I make vanilla extract at home?

This topic has been briefly touched upon earlier. Here is a detailed recipe for making homemade vanilla extract.

What you'll need:

6 to 8 vanilla pods

Alcohol: 1 cup of vodka, rum or brandy (preferably with a high alcohol content)

Airtight glass bottle or jar

Instructions:

Select from our range of vanilla pods. For making vanilla extract, length and moisture are not important in vanilla pods. What you should look for is the aroma and freshness of the pod.

Cut and macerate the pods so that the seeds and the skin are infused with the aroma of vanilla and  place into the airtight container

Pour the alcohol into the bottle, completely covering the vanilla pods. The alcohol acts as a solvent, extracting the flavours and aromas from the pods.

Seal the container tightly and give it a good shake to ensure the vanilla pods are fully immersed in the alcohol.

Store the bottle in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cabinet. Allow the vanilla pods to steep in the alcohol for at least 6 weeks, shaking the bottle occasionally to help distribute the flavours.

Over time, you'll notice the liquid transforming into a rich, dark amber color as the vanilla essence infuses into the alcohol. The longer you let it steep, the stronger and more intense the flavour will become. For a truly robust vanilla extract, it's recommended to let it steep for several months.

Once the desired steeping time has passed, strain the vanilla extract through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the vanilla pods and any residue. The resulting liquid is your homemade vanilla extract, ready to be used in various recipes.

Transfer the vanilla extract into small, dark glass bottles with tight-fitting lids and store them in a cool, dark place. Properly stored, homemade vanilla extract can last for several years, continuing to develop and enhance in flavour over time.

Homemade vanilla extract is a wonderful addition to your kitchen, adding a natural and aromatic touch to baked goods, desserts, and beverages. It also makes for a thoughtful homemade gift for fellow food enthusiasts. Enjoy the satisfaction of using your very own homemade vanilla extract, made with love and the pure essence of vanilla pods.