Vanilla Extract

Vanilla Extract

Pure vanilla extract is made by macerating and percolating vanilla beans in a solution of ethyl alcohol and water.

Natural vanilla flavoring is derived from real vanilla beans with little to no alcohol. The maximum amount of alcohol that is usually present is only 2–3%. Imitation vanilla extract contains vanillin, made either from guaiacol or from lignin, a byproduct of the wood pulp industry.

Vanilla extract is also made from a solution containing the flavor compound vanillin as the primary ingredient. A flavorant made from vanilla bean extract. It is a solution containing not less than 35% alcohol of the components extracted from one or more units of vanilla constituent. One unit is 0.378 kg of vanilla beans containing not more than 25% moisture.

A double-strength solution (twofold) contains twice the quantity of beans. It is used in desserts, baked goods, and beverages.

See also Vanilla essence & Vanilla Sugar

Uses of Vanilla Extract:

Freshen up the fridge:
Wipe down the inside of the fridge with vanilla extract. To prolong the fresh vanilla scent, soak a cotton ball or a piece of sponge with vanilla extract and leave it in the refrigerator.

Deodorize your microwave:
Pour a little vanilla extract in a bowl and microwave on High for one minute. Now, that’s better.

Neutralize the smell of fresh paint:
If you would rather not have the unpleasant smell of fresh paint in your house, mix 1 tablespoon vanilla extract into the paint can when you open it. The house will smell delicious!

Sweeten the smell of your home:
Put a drop or two of vanilla extract on a lightbulb, turn on the light, and your house will be filled with the appealing scent of baked goods in the oven.

Repel bugs:
Everybody likes the smell of vanilla. Everybody but bugs, that is. Dilute 1 tablespoon vanilla extract with 1 cup water and wipe the mixture on your exposed skin to discourage mosquitoes, blackflies, and ticks.

Relieve minor burns:
You accidentally grabbed a hot pot or got splattered with grease in the kitchen. Grab the vanilla extract for quick pain relief. The evaporation of the alcohol in the vanilla extract cools the burn.

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