Storing Vanilla Extract

[GA Home Cook]

Not sure I put this where it goes, but I could not find a listing for flavorings.

I had a friend tell me yesterday that she stores her Vanilla Extract, and all flavorings, in the fridge. I looked on my bottle that I just bought last week at Costco and no mention of storing in the fridge. What do you guys do?

[Aunt Bea]

I make my own using 80 proof booze and vanilla beans.

I store it and other commercially made extracts in a cool dark cupboard.

A fifth of vanilla extract lasts me two or three years and it never has been a problem.

If you want to try making your own take a fifth of good vodka, bourbon or rum and add two or three vanilla beans, that have been split lengthwise, into the bottle of booze. Store it in a cool dark place and give the bottle a good shake every time you see it. In about six months you can start using it in place of commercially made vanilla extract.

[Andy M.]

In a cupboard. No need to refrigerate.

[cinisajoy]

In the cupboard with the rest of the extracts.

[Roll_Bones]

Good question since the bottle from Costco is quite large. My wife just keeps it in the pantry. I think the fridge might be a very good idea.
Now, for spices that I get from Costco that also come in large containers. They go into the fridge.

[cinisajoy]

If my mom buys extracts in plastic bottles, she transfers them to glass bottles.

[GotGarlic]

I do like Aunt Bea. There is no reason to refrigerate extracts. They're just alcohol and flavoring. Ground spices are different; over time, they will lose the essential oils that provide flavor. Whole spices will last practically forever.

[jennyema]

Originally Posted by GotGarlic

I do like Aunt Bea. There is no reason to refrigerate extracts. They're just alcohol and flavoring. Ground spices are different; over time, they will lose the essential oils that provide flavor. Whole spices will last practically forever.

This!

[taxlady]

Originally Posted by Aunt Bea

I make my own using 80 proof booze and vanilla beans.

I store it and other commercially made extracts in a cool dark cupboard.

A fifth of vanilla extract lasts me two or three years and it never has been a problem.

If you want to try making your own take a fifth of good vodka, bourbon or rum and add two or three vanilla beans, that have been split lengthwise, into the bottle of booze. Store it in a cool dark place and give the bottle a good shake every time you see it. In about six months you can start using it in place of commercially made vanilla extract.

It only takes two or three beans? I think I'll give it a try. Does that turn out about the same strength as the commercially made vanilla?

[GotGarlic]

Originally Posted by taxlady

It only takes two or three beans? I think I'll give it a try. Does that turn out about the same strength as the commercially made vanilla?

Oh yes. Better, in fact, imo. I found a vanilla extract kit at TJ Maxx a couple years ago - three Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans and a pretty bottle for $7.99.

I bought some inexpensive vodka and combined them. I split and scraped the vanilla beans into the decorative bottle, added the vodka, and shook them every few days for a few months. It's delicious in my baked goods And from what I've read, as you use it, you can just add more vodka and reuse the same beans for several years.