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Handmade and Aged VS Commercial Pure Vanilla Extract

Handmade and Aged VS Commercial Pure Vanilla Extract

What’s the Difference?

Today, I would like to talk about one of my most frequently asked questions: What’s the difference between Handmade, Aged Pure Vanilla Extract and Commercial, mass-produced Pure Vanilla Extract? and how to use them…

The Essentials: What is Pure Vanilla Extract ?

Pure Vanilla Extract is a food flavouring made with real vanilla beans and alcohol with no artificial/synthetic additives or sugar.

Having said that not all pure vanilla extracts are created equal!

While many commercially made options boast the use of “real vanilla beans,” the process with which it is made and the quality of the vanilla beans can vary widely, significantly impacting the flavour of the extract.

Mass produced Pure Vanilla Extract

Commercial brands typically rely on a method where lower-quality vanilla beans are dried, ground into a powder, and then subjected to high-pressure and hightemperature extraction in large machines.

This hurried process primarily focusses a single compound known as vanillin, which imparts that familiar vanilla taste. However, this method largely misses out on most of the delicate and intricate flavour notes that are naturally present in vanilla beans.

The Untapped Potential of Vanilla

When we think about vanilla, we might assume it’s a simple flavour. Yet, the reality is far more captivating.

Vanilla beans contain over 300 flavour compounds! These compounds are not limited to the tiny seeds found within the pod.

They also reside on skin of the bean, where aromatic oils are waiting be released. When you solely focus on using the seeds, you miss out on the robust and nuanced flavours that the entire bean has to offer.

Handmade and Aged Pure Vanilla Extract

At Potion De V, we embrace the artistry and craftmanship of vanilla extraction. Our holistic approach begins with the careful selection of only the finest Grade A organic vanilla beans, sustainably bought directly from small farms in Madagascar. We use no machines or chemicals in our process instead we let the quality of our aromatic vanilla beans speak for themselves.

Each bean is carefully selected, sorted and split by hand, allowing us to unlock the full potential of the flavours within.

The Art of Aging

The real magic happens during the aging process. Unlike mass-produced extracts, which are churned in bulk, by machines, our extracts are made in small batches and require patience and care.
By allowing our handcrafted vanilla extract to age for over 12 months, we facilitate a slow and graceful interaction between the vanilla beans and the alcohol used for extraction.

During this time, the beans gradually release their vibrant spectrum of flavours — every rich note, every aromatic oil, and nuance is allowed to blossom organically. This method results in a vanilla extract that is not merely a flavouring agent, but a culinary treasure.

The profound level of depth and complexity achieved through our artisanal process cannot be replicated by commercial methods. We work hard to capture all the flavours that a vanilla bean has to offer and take the time for it to mature and turn into a beautifully complex extract. To finish, we hand fill our extracts by putting the vanilla beans back into every extract bottle for you to enjoy!
Each drop of our extract carries a story of nurturing patience, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

When to Use What

Now, you might be wondering: When is it best to use handmade vanilla extract versus commercial mass-produced extract?

When it comes to baking, with the application of heat you often lose some of the delicate flavours of the vanilla extract. In recipes like cakes or cookies, you may not notice an overwhelming difference between commercial and handmade extracts.

However, the true magnificence of our handmade extract shines through in raw applications — think velvety buttercream, airy whipped cream, refreshing smoothies/ protein shakes, decadent hot chocolate or luxurious custards. I always encourage people to treat our vanilla extract as you would an extra virgin olive oil.

Drizzle it over desserts or weave it into uncooked or minimally heated dishes to experience its complete flavour profile. When you use it this way, you will be able to truly savour the exquisite harmony of flavours that emerge, elevating your dishes to a new level and be able to taste the difference!!!

Wrapping Up

So, there you have it! The next time you find yourself choosing between handmade, aged pure vanilla extract and the more commercial options, remember that there is a world of difference in terms of flavour, quality, craftsmanship, and experience.

At Potion De V, we offer you not just an ingredient, but a luxurious experience that enriches each dish it graces. And let’s not forget while we hand make our extracts, we also hand bottle them, which allows us to add the vanilla beans back into the bottle, this keeps your extract  rich in flavour for years to come and gives you the flexibility of adding vanilla seeds to your dishes.

Thank you for joining me on this flavourful exploration!

If you’ve enjoyed the blog, please share your thoughts in the comments below and stay in touch by following us on Instagram.

Until our next culinary adventure, happy baking!

Nazneen

Founding Director

 

 

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