How long vanilla extract last

Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here. Food Storage - How long can you keep Tips The precise answer to the question 'How long does vanilla extract last? To maximize the shelf life of vanilla extract, store in a cool dry area; keep tightly closed when not in use.

When stored properly, Madagascar and Mexican vanilla extract are unlikely to spoil. Similar to pure and imitation vanilla extract, these types of extract can lose their flavor over time. While it is unlikely that your vanilla extract has expired, you can check it for signs of spoiling if unsure. You are more likely to find vanilla extract with less flavor than one that is actually spoiled.

For this reason it is a good idea to taste test old vanilla extract before using it in your recipe. If the flavor has degraded a significant amount, it will effect the final flavor of your recipe. And vanilla extract is an important flavor in any recipe that calls for it. Cloudy vanilla extract is a sign that it has been improperly stored. Direct sunlight or extreme heat will lead to evaporation and that will cause a cloudy effect in your vanilla extract. Being cloudy does not mean your vanilla extract has gone bad though.

If it smells and tastes right it is still safe to use. If you find the flavor and aroma have degraded it may be safe to consume but will not impart the flavor needed for most recipes. Always be certain to store your vanilla extract in a dark cool location to avoid it becoming cloudy.

Black specks in vanilla extract can be one of two things. They are either little pieces of vanilla bean or vanilla pods. But it could also be little specks added by the manufacturer to give the allusion of a higher quality product. There is also the chance that it is contaminated with a completely foreign object. This is more likely if your vanilla extract was stored without being properly sealed.

While black specks may be nothing to worry about, if you question how your vanilla extract was stored then it is better to be safe than sorry and not use it.

It is normal for pure vanilla extract to smell like alcohol. The smell of alcohol can be particularly strong in a new bottle of vanilla extract. Over time, some alcohol will evaporate, lowering the aroma. So the presence of the smell of alcohol is noting to be concerned about and does not mean your vanilla extract has gone bad.

You can expect your pure vanilla extract to last for between 5 and 10 years. The flavor should not degrade in this amount of time when stored properly. However, good vanilla extract is expensive and worth every penny.

Imitation vanilla is just that; generally a chemical soup of colors and flavors that add little to your baked goods. Barefoot Contessa Ina Garten offers an extremely simple recipe for homemade vanilla extract.

It takes dried vanilla beans, vodka and time. You can customize the flavor by adding more beans as you like, and this product can be stored at room temperature indefinitely. Does vanilla extract go bad? The shelf life on this product is nearly indefinite if kept in cool darkness.

As with many spices , good vanilla extract is not cheap. Contents show. What Is Vanilla Extract? Types of Vanilla Extract.