A Guide to Storing Vanilla Extract and Maximizing Its Shelf Life (2024)

FAQs

A Guide to Storing Vanilla Extract and Maximizing Its Shelf Life? ›

Vanilla extract is best stored in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Avoid storing it near the stove or oven, as exposure to heat can cause the flavors to degrade more quickly. A pantry or cupboard is an ideal location for long-term storage.

What is the best way to store vanilla extract? Vanilla extract is best stored at a cool to moderate room temperature (60-80°F) and in a dark environment. Kitchen cupboards are usually a great place to keep your vanilla extract, as long as you do not store it over a stove or near a heat source.

The bottle should seal tightly and should not allow leaks. Many bakers recommend choosing brown or darkly colored bottles to minimize the amount of light hitting the extract. We've found that clear bottles are fine as long as they are stored in a cool/dark place.

Don't store your vanilla extract in the fridge. It's not necessary because vanilla extract is shelf-stable, and refrigeration may make your extract turn cloudy.

As long as it is not showing signs of going bad, you can still continue using it six months to a year after it's expiration date. Though, I would add more to the recipe to make up for the weakened flavor. However, both pure and imitation vanilla extract can go bad if not stored correctly.

For best results, store your homemade vanilla extract in an airtight glass bottle with a resealable stopper. Don't use plastic—the alcohol will degrade the plastic overtime and cause it to leech chemicals into your extract. You can buy airtight glass bottles with resealable lids online.

A: Vanilla should not be stored in a fridge or freezer. It is best to store them in a vacuum sealed package, in a cool/dark place, and only open it when you are ready to use them!

It is true that vanilla extract can provide some degree of repellency due to its ability to mask human odors that attract mosquitoes. However, this effect usually lasts only about 30 minutes and may not work for everyone," she said.

Many people will recommend 2 months at least, in my experience for the best flavor I always go a minimum of 3 months. I feel at 3 months my vanilla is ready for use. However some say up to 6 months is best. Honestly the longer it sits the better it tastes but you can absolutely use it at the 2 or 3 month mark.

Some people like to sanitize them in a dishwasher, but I say there's no better way to sanitize than a dip in boiling water. I suggest keeping a large pot of boiling water on the stove top, that way you can dip the bottles one at a time as you work.

Does vanilla extract need to be airtight? ›

Store it in an airtight jar.

They are prone to evaporation and, because they are loosely sealed, they can let in unwanted scents on nearby items like vinegar, liquid smoke, and fish sauce. Instead, opt for a swing-top or screw-top bottle that can be tightly sealed between uses.

You can leave the vanilla beans in the bottles indefinitely and continue to top up the jar with alcohol as you use the extract. Alternatively, you can make vanilla sugar with the used vanilla beans. Place the old vanilla beans in some granulated sugar to infuse the sugar with vanilla flavors.

Vanilla extract may contain up to 35% ABV, which is the equivalent of a shot of hard liquor like vodka or bourbon. This means vanilla extract can get you drunk, but it also puts a person at risk of alcohol poisoning.

But remember that vanilla extract, like a lot of other spices, may have a best before date but will not have a use by date or expiration date. Because of this distinction, you may safely use it to compliment your favorite foods for as long as you like.

Vanilla Extract

Extracts do best in temperatures from 55 degrees F ( 12.8 C) and 80 degrees F (26.6 C) and away from light. Store in a cool, dark cupboard away from the stove or oven.

By definition, yes there is alcohol in vanilla extract. According to the FDA, vanilla extract is a mixture of vanilla scent and flavor characteristic, and alcohol. To be exact, the FDA requires an ethyl alcohol content of at least 35% for a product to be considered vanilla extract.

Heat can damage the volatile flavor compounds in vanilla and vaporize the liquor if it reaches 170 F.

If you don't have any on hand, you can almost always omit the vanilla without impacting the final texture of your baked goods; although the rich flavor extract—or any form of vanilla—brings will certainly be altered. Just remember one thing: flavor comes first.

The bottle should be kept in a cool dark place (such as a pantry) away from heat, moisture and sunlight. Avoid cupboards near the stove, dishwasher, or fridge and shelves near windows when storing your extract. How long does Pure Vanilla Extract last? If stored properly, Pure Vanilla Extract can last indefinitely.