The INCI name for Vanilla Extract is Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract.

Bulk Packaging Options for Pure Vanilla Extract:

1. Glass Bottles: Available in various sizes, typically ranging from 4 oz to 1 gallon.
2. Plastic Containers: Often used for larger quantities, such as 5-gallon jugs or drums.
3. Bulk Totes: Ideal for industrial use, accommodating larger volumes for foodservice operations.
4. Pouches: Flexible packaging options for smaller quantities, suitable for retail or specialty uses.

The shelf life of Pure Vanilla Extract is approximately 4 years (1,440 days) when stored properly in a cool, dry place. Although it may not spoil in a traditional sense, its flavor quality can diminish over time. To maintain its rich flavor and color, avoid exposure to humidity, heat, and direct sunlight.

Storage Tips for Pure Vanilla Extract

1. Container: Use a dark glass or amber-colored bottle to protect against light exposure, which can degrade flavor.

2. Seal Tightly: Ensure the bottle is tightly sealed after each use to prevent air from affecting the quality.

3. Cool and Dark Place: Store in a cool, dark cupboard away from heat sources like the stove or oven.

4. Avoid Refrigeration: Do not store in the fridge as cold temperatures can thicken the extract.

5. Stable Temperature: Keep in an area with consistent temperatures to maintain quality.

6. Check for Contamination: Clean the neck and cap of the bottle before sealing to prevent residue contamination.

7. Buy in Small Quantities: Purchase smaller amounts to ensure freshness and avoid quality deterioration over time.

Following these guidelines will help maintain the potency and flavor of your pure vanilla extract for longer.

How Pure Vanilla Extract is Made

Pure vanilla extract is crafted through a meticulous process involving the following steps:

1. Harvesting Vanilla Beans: Vanilla comes from orchids, primarily grown in Madagascar and other tropical regions. Each vanilla flower blooms for just one day and must be hand-pollinated. After successful pollination, the beans develop over 8-9 months before being harvested.

2. Curing the Beans: The harvested beans undergo curing, which involves blanching them in hot water to halt ripening and activate flavor enzymes. The beans are then wrapped in blankets and undergo a fermentation process known as "sweating" for about two months, alternating between sun exposure and rolling.

3. Extracting Flavor: Once cured, the vanilla beans are soaked in a mixture of water and ethyl alcohol. This extraction process allows the rich flavors and aromas to infuse into the liquid, resulting in pure vanilla extract.

4. Aging: The extract is typically aged to enhance its flavor profile before bottling.

This process results in a high-quality product that is more flavorful and aromatic than imitation vanilla essence, making pure vanilla extract a preferred choice for culinary applications.