It’s Time For A Change

In an era dominated by mass-produced products with hidden additives, reclaiming control over what goes into our everyday essentials becomes a source of empowerment. For homesteading families, the journey toward self-sufficiency often begins in the heart of the home – the kitchen. Today, let’s explore the art of crafting homemade vanilla extract. Do this not just for the flavor but as a conscious decision to shift away from the industrial production of store-bought alternatives like imitation vanilla.

Vanilla Extract is an Easy Place to Start

Who can resist a vanilla flavored icing on a cake or homemade vanilla ice cream? Vanilla extract is used in all kinds of dishes at home, but the most common is desserts. It’s in everything out there to give it that sweet smelling earthy flavor.

For the discerning homesteader or kitchen aficionado, the quest for genuine, organic ingredients is a cornerstone of daily life. Vanilla extract, a cornerstone in countless recipes, is no exception. By opting for high-quality organic vanilla beans and a trusty ally – vodka, you can elevate your culinary endeavors while avoiding the questionable additives and unknown sources found in store-bought alternatives.

Cost Is Another Reason For DIY Vanilla Extract

Have you ever noticed how expensive real vanilla extract is? Where we live, a tiny 1oz bottle goes for $5 – $7. With current rates of inflation, it will probably be double that if you’re reading this 6 months or more after this was originally posted (only partially joking unfortunately). That’s super expensive!

The economic benefits of making your own vanilla extract are staggering. Consider this: a gallon of your own concoction costs a mere $40, a mere fraction of the staggering $472 you’d spend on a store-bought equivalent. Breaking it down further, one ounce of homemade vanilla extract can cost as little as $0.31 compared to an eye-watering $3.92 for its store-bought counterpart. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about taking charge of your kitchen, your ingredients, and your budget.

The imitation stuff usually goes for considerably less but it comes with a different kind of cost. There is a huge difference between the natural stuff and the imitation. Natural vanilla comes from vanilla beans grown in either Madagascar or in Tahiti (each has a slightly different flavor). Imitation vanilla is far more surprising in it’s source.

Do You Want To Eat Petroleum?

While the financial savings are significant, the advantages of homemade vanilla extract extend beyond the economic realm. Genuine vanilla extract, crafted from organic vanilla beans and vodka, stands in stark contrast to its synthetic counterpart. Many store-bought options use imitation vanilla, often crafted from petroleum distillates.

Imitation vanilla is made from vanillin (the primary flavor component of vanilla). Vanillin is manufactured from a substance called guaiacol. The world’s guaiacol supply is derived from refining regular old petroleum. Yes, that’s right… you’re eating the same stuff that you fill your car up with every day. Then they add in “caramel coloring” to make it look like the real thing. However those colorings are full of cancer causing man-made dyes. By embracing the homemade route, you’re ensuring that each droplet of vanilla in your recipes is pure, unadulterated, and free from potentially harmful additives.

Where To Get The Beans?

It was time for us to take a hard left turn from all that nonsense and have been making our own pure vanilla extract ever since. It’s best to use top shelf vodka and vanilla beans We’ve included hyperlinks to the ones we like below. FYI… we may earn a super tiny commission from Amazon if you buy through our links (seriously… it’s really small but still helps us make content). We do one batch with organic Tahitian beans and one with organic Madagascar beans. The source in the links above is our favorite and we have had great results with them. The beans need to infuse for 6 months to a year to really impart the flavors, but the result is amazing. The alcohol cooks off in baked goods, so no worries there.

Here is a batch that we started in February 2023 . It has turned a dark golden color from the vanilla beans as of October, 8 months later. You have to have a little patience, but this is a half gallon of the real thing at a tiny fraction of the cost of buying it and without eating petroleum! You can reuse the beans over and over again several times to make additional batches also… further lowering the cost!

To supplement your journey into the world of homemade vanilla extract, we’ve put together a detailed video guide. Watch as we delve into the process, share insightful tips, and show you exactly how to make this DIY endeavor a game-changer for every homesteading family.

Let’s Get Started!

As you embark on this flavorful venture, we invite you to join our community of like-minded individuals on YouTube and other social media platforms. Our channel is dedicated to sharing practical homesteading ideas, backed by experience and research. This empowers you to lead a more self-sufficient and sustainable life. Hit that subscribe button, like, and share if you’re ready to embrace the homesteader’s lifestyle!

Homemade vanilla extract is not just a culinary experiment; it’s a declaration of independence from the uncertainties of store-bought products. By using organic vanilla beans, vodka, and a dash of creativity, you can elevate your kitchen adventures while saving a ton of money as well. So, roll up your sleeves, exit the train of mass produced trash products, and join us on this delightful journey towards homemade goodness. Your kitchen – and your wallet – will thank you.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this little BLOG and encourage you to try your hand at making your own vanilla extract. Also, if you liked this article, check out how we make our own soap that’s so much better than store bought. Happy Homesteading friends!