The Perfect Choice for DIY Extract, Paste, and Powder
Looking for a cost-effective way to create your own vanilla extract, paste, or powder? Meet vanilla bean splits—your new go-to for rich, homemade vanilla flavor.
These beans won't win any beauty pageants. They are dried, brittle and shrunken‚ but that's what makes them exceptional at making extract. One customer described them as "little twigs" and that's accurate! Because these beans look inferior, it's believed home consumers won't want them—and the splits go straight to industry buyers. But here's three reasons why you should embrace using them:
- Exceptional Value: Vanilla bean splits are an affordable alternative, costing about half as much as whole beans, making gourmet-quality vanilla accessible to everyone.
- Rich, Intense Flavor: The dryness of these beans means higher vanillin content, leading to faster infusion and a more concentrated flavor in your homemade vanilla creations.
- Eco-Friendly Choice: By choosing vanilla bean splits, you’re reducing food waste and supporting responsible sourcing. Plus, they come in compostable, plant-based packaging.
Please Note: Due to their lower moisture content, vanilla splits may not have a strong aroma.
Details:
- Each pack contains 47 grams (1.7 oz) of vanilla splits, perfect for making one pint of single-fold vanilla extract or paste. For double-fold vanilla, use 8 oz of alcohol per pack (or purchase two packs).
- Packaged in plant-based, compostable refill packaging.
- Ethically harvested in Madagascar.
- Extract recipe sheet included. Making paste? Check out our Vanilla Paste Tutorial and buy a refill of xanthan gum.
Packaging is not meant for long-term storage! Transfer to airtight container if you do not use immediately.
Making vanilla gifts? Shop all supplies here.
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FAQs:
- How many vanilla pods are in a pack of splits? Splits are not whole pods, though some whole pods may be included. Many of the beans are broken or already "split" in half. The cover photo of the hand holding the pods and the photo of the loose pods show the correct 47 gram amount. We estimate it's about 25-40 small beans per pack.
- Why not grade A beans? Grade A beans, with their plump and shiny appearance have a higher moisture content. Chefs love them for cooking, as their flavor is more easily absorbed into a dish. However, due to the higher moisture content, they have less vanilla flavor per ounce. When making extract, we want the uglier and drier, yet more flavorful beans.
- How do I make extract? It's as easy as slicing beans in half the long way and covering with alcohol. The hardest part is waiting. See our detailed Vanilla Extract Tutorial.
- What is double-fold vanilla? It is a more intense vanilla extract made by using double the ratio of vanilla beans. For vanilla splits, you will use one package of splits (1.7 oz) with 8 oz of alcohol for double-fold extract. We do not recommend making extract in quantities smaller than 1 cup.
- Can I make non-alcoholic extract? Yes! You can use 3 parts food-grade glycerin mixed with 1 part distilled water in place of alcohol.
What else do you need?
- Alcohol: Vodka, rum, or bourbon—all work great! Use any 80-proof (or higher) alcohol.
- Patience: Let your extract sit for at least 8 weeks; 6 months is even better. The flavor will continue to develop for up to a year.
- Xanthan Gum: If making vanilla paste, grab a refill of xanthan gum.
- Gift Bottles: If gifting, decant into cute bottles.