We love vanilla extract in our raw chia seed jams, smoothies, teas, ice cream, chia puddings, and baked goods! What about you? I bet no one can resist the delicious and seducing vanilla flavor :-).
Vanilla beans come from a pollinated orchid and must be picked by hand and cured for several months. That’s why those beans are so expensive. Next to its culinary uses, vanilla is well-known for its sexual stimulating and calming effect…. And much more benefits for you to discover.
Health Benefits Of Vanilla Extract
- Sexual stimulant, aphrodisiac
- Reduce anxiety and stress
- Induce sleep
- Reduce hypertension and blood pressure
- Reduce free radicals
- Calms stomach, anti-nausea
- Regulates menstruation
- Boost mental performance
- Anti-inflammatory
- Natural pain-reliever
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Making your own vanilla extract is so easy that I’ve decided to make my own batches from now on. All you need is vanilla beans, alcohol, and lots of patience. The longer you wait the better it gets 🙂
- 1 cup or 8 oz. vodka (or any other neutral flavored alcohol like rum or bourbon)
- 7-8 vanilla beans, preferably organic
- Glass bottle or jar with tight-fitting lid
Slice the vanilla beans lengthwise. Scrape out the seeds. Add seeds and beans to a jar or bottle with the vodka. Make sure the vanilla beans are totally covered by the alcohol. Close the lid and shake well. Store for at least 4 weeks at room temperature, 6 to 8 weeks is perfect. the longer it goes the stronger or more intense the flavor will be.
Shake the jar or bottle once a week. Strain and pour into a clean jar or bottle (amber colored is best to keep the light out). Store at room temperature. Enjoy!
If you want your vanilla extract to be sweeter, just add a little raw honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar.
See super easy….. If you are a big vanilla-user, feel free to multiply the recipe! Remember it’s at least 4 weeks of waiting, so make sure to make enough of it.
Or pour in cute little amber colored jars as a wonderful gift for family and friends.
Note: use 6 vanilla beans to make a stronger vanilla extract or when you don’t want to wait for 6 to 8 weeks.
CLICK HERE for alcohol-free version
FYI: Kinds Of Vanilla Beans
There are many different kinds of vanilla beans on the market. There is no best, It all depends on your personal flavor. We mostly buy the Madagascar Bourbon or Indian vanilla beans.
- Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla: rich dark, and creamy flavor with a sweet buttery aroma.
- Indian Vanilla: sweet, full, and chocolate-like flavor.
- Mexican Vanilla: bold, dark, and smoky flavor.
- Tahitian Vanilla: floral and cherry-chocolate-like flavor.
- Tonga Vanilla: Earthy, fig, raisin-like flavor.
Bonus: Seducing Green Tropical Smoothie Recipe
Made this recipe a few days ago with vanilla extract… YUM. Vanilla extract works very well in smoothies with berries, mango, cocoa nibs, or banana.
- 1 big, ripe banana
- 1 cup mango
- ½ avocado
- 2 cup spinach
- 2 cups almond milk
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Blend spinach and almond milk until smooth. Add remaining ingredients and blend again.
Add extra cacao nibs to make this recipe kids-proof.
If you are taking blending and making green smoothies serious but can’t afford an expensive Vitamix or Blendtec… I actually found a much better solution which is only half the price and AS GOOD. CLICK HERE for more info.
Have you ever made your own vanilla extract? How did it go? Your feedback is more than welcome in the comment box below.
Thanks for reading. I hope this information was helpful. Until next time!
Amy Goodrich
Crazy cat lady, life and food lover, certified biologist, and holistic health coach.
