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

Bulk Packaging Options for Pure Vanilla Extract

1. Glass Bottles: Commonly available in various sizes (e.g., 4 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz, 32 oz) for retail and food service use.

2. Plastic Containers: Lightweight and shatterproof options available in larger sizes (e.g., 1 gallon, 5 gallons) for bulk purchasing.

3. Drums: Large-scale packaging (typically 55 gallons) suitable

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

Storage Guidelines for Pure Vanilla Extract

1. Choose the Right Container: Use a dark glass or amber-colored bottle to protect the extract from light, which can degrade its quality.

2. Seal Tightly: Always tightly seal the bottle after each use to prevent air exposure, which can lead to oxidation. Consider transferring to smaller bottles to minimize air space.

3. Keep It Cool: Store vanilla extract in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources, such as stoves or ovens. A pantry or cupboard is ideal.

4. Maintain Stable Temperatures: Avoid temperature fluctuations by storing in a consistent environment. Do not refrigerate, as cold can thicken the extract.

5. Check for Contamination: Regularly inspect the bottle for any changes in color, aroma, or taste, and clean the neck and cap before resealing to prevent contamination.

6. Buy in Small Quantities: Purchase smaller amounts to ensure freshness and use before the quality deteriorates, as vanilla extract can lose potency over time.

How Pure Vanilla Extract is Made

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

1. Harvesting Vanilla Beans: Vanilla is derived from the pods of the vanilla orchid, which requires hand pollination. It takes about three years for the plant to mature and produce flowers, which bloom for just one day. After successful pollination, the pods take around 8 to 9 months to ripen before they are harvested.

2. Curing the Beans: Once harvested, the vanilla beans undergo a curing process. This begins with blanching, where the beans are briefly immersed in hot water to halt ripening and activate enzymes that develop the characteristic vanilla flavor. The beans are then wrapped in wool blankets and stored in a dark, airtight container to ferment and sweat, a process that lasts up to two months. Daily sun exposure and re-wrapping help enhance the flavor.

3. Extraction Process: After curing, the beans are soaked in a mixture of water and ethyl alcohol. This extraction process allows the flavors and aromatic compounds to infuse into the liquid, resulting in the rich, complex flavor profile of pure vanilla extract.

4. Aging: The extract may be aged to deepen the flavor, with some producers allowing it to mature for several months.

Pure vanilla extract is known for its strong, authentic flavor, distinguishing it from imitation vanilla essence, which is artificially flavored.