Making Vanilla Extract
Simple  | Single fold (Stephen's style) | Order Vanilla Beans | Order Bottles

Simple Vanilla Extract

This is a simple vanilla extract to make in a glass jar with a lid.

1 cup vodka , brandy , or rum in a glass jar
3 vanilla beans

1. Split the beans the long ways with a scissors or knife and cut in half.
2. Add to glass jar, put a lid on and let sit for 4- 6 weeks.
3. Pour off the extract into 2 oz. bottles, label and decorate for a nice gift.

Making Single Fold Vanilla Extract
(Stephen's version)

about 1, 2 ,3 and 4 fold vanilla

This is an approximate recipe. I am not sure exactly all the distinctions of making different folds of vanilla.

1 Cup liquor   6-7 beans
1 Pint liquor  12 beans   
1 quart liquor 24 beans

For Liquor you can use vodka, rum or brandy. I like both vodka and brandy.

Rub the vanilla beans with the dull edge of a knife to evenly distribute the beans, then cut the beans in half length wise with a knife or scissors, and then width wise. Place in a jar of vodka or some other kind of liquor.

I like to use the a good quality vodka, rum or brandy. Seal the bottle, and set in a cool, dark place for four to six months, shaking the jar occasionally, until the flavor of the extract has mellowed. The clear vodka will turn a nice deep brown. When the extract is ready to be used, clean and sterilize several small bottles with screw-on lids, and fill with the homemade extract. Add a vanilla bean if you want , Then a label, tie on a ribbon, and you'll have a beautiful little gift to give.

Here is an example of bottles you can use to put your vanilla extract in for gifts.
If you would like to order some of these bottles, go here.

The Vanilla Folds

A fold is the relative measure of strength of vanilla extract. Single fold vanilla is typically what the consumer buys at the market. For food processing, two, three or four fold vanillas are typically used. A single fold vanilla contains the extractive matter of 13.35 ounces of vanilla beans, containing less than 25% moisture, in one gallon of 35% aqueous ethyl alcohol. That means alcohol like vodka and aqueous means water is added.

Two fold uses 26.7 ounces of vanilla beans, contains twice as much extractive matter and is twice as strong.
Three fold and
Four fold are just three or four time the content of one fold. This is a standard of identity set by the FDA for Pure Vanilla.

When you buy the extract sometimes they will tell you the strength of it.
1 oz. of four fold vanilla runs about 13.00