vanilla bean paste vs vanilla extract from natural vanilla

Vanilla Bean Paste vs Vanilla Extract: Which One Should You Use?

Natural Vanilla Store / 10/16/2024 / vanilla bean paste vs vanilla extract, Vanilla Extract, Vanilla Paste

When it comes to baking, the choice between vanilla bean paste vs. vanilla extract can significantly affect the flavour and texture of your desserts. Both have their unique qualities Understanding when to use each can help elevate your culinary creations.

Vanilla paste is a thick, syrup-like substance that contains actual vanilla bean seeds. This gives the paste a more intense flavour and a visual appeal, with specks of vanilla throughout your dish.

It’s perfect for recipes where the look and flavour of real vanilla beans are desired, such as custards, ice creams, and crème brûlée. The paste also offers convenience since it provides the rich taste of whole vanilla beans without splitting and scraping them.

Halal vanilla extract is a liquid obtained by soaking vanilla beans in a non-alcoholic solvent. It offers a smooth, versatile flavour that easily blends into various baked goods, making it a staple in most kitchens. If you’re following dietary restrictions or prefer a non-alcoholic option, the halal vanilla extract provides the same great flavour without compromising quality or religious beliefs.

So, which one should you use? If you’re looking for a robust and authentic vanilla taste with visible vanilla bean specks, vanilla paste is the way to go. However, halal vanilla extract is your best bet if you need a versatile ingredient that can easily be mixed into any recipe.

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How to Make Vanilla Paste at Home?

Natural Vanilla Store / 09/03/2024 / Make Vanilla Paste, Vanilla Paste, Vanilla Paste Recipe

For those who love to bake, understanding how to make vanilla paste at home can elevate your culinary creations. This homemade vanilla paste recipe is cost-effective and allows you to control the quality of the ingredients. Vanilla paste is a versatile ingredient that combines the potency of vanilla extract with the convenience of vanilla powder, giving your desserts an intense, aromatic flavour.

To begin, gather 3-4 high-quality vanilla beans, a tablespoon of sugar, and a teaspoon of water or light corn syrup. Split the beans lengthwise with a sharp knife and scrape out the seeds. These tiny seeds, known as vanilla caviar, give vanilla paste its signature flavour and appearance.

Once the vanilla caviar is scraped out of the vanilla pod rather than discard the outer husk. This can be dried and ground using a standard coffee grinder to a fine powder for use in other dishes.

Natural Vanilla - Vanilla Bean Paste Recipe

Next, mix the seeds with the sugar in a small bowl. Using a mortar and pestle, grind the mixture into a fine paste. The sugar helps to break down the seeds and release the essential oils, intensifying the flavour.

Once you’ve achieved a smooth paste, slowly add the water or corn syrup. This step is crucial to getting the right consistency for your homemade vanilla paste thick enough to stay on a spoon but smooth enough to blend blend easily into your recipes.

This method on how to make vanilla bean paste ensures that you’re capturing the pure, unadulterated essence of the vanilla bean. The end product is a rich, fragrant paste perfect for adding depth to cakes, cookies, custards, and even savoury dishes.

Looking for a Premium Vanilla Paste?

If you don’t have the time to make your own or want to try a high-quality alternative, consider purchasing from Natural Vanilla. Our premium vanilla paste is made with the finest ingredients, delivering exceptional flavour and aroma. Buy vanilla paste at Natural Vanilla today and enhance your baking with the best

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Common Mistakes to Avoid in Making Vanilla Paste

Natural Vanilla Store / 09/03/2024 / Make Vanilla Paste, Vanilla Bean Paste, Vanilla Paste

Learning how to make vanilla paste at home can be a rewarding experience, but it’s essential to avoid some common pitfalls. A well-made paste recipe enhances your baking with rich, aromatic flavour, but a few mistakes can compromise the quality and taste.

Using Low-Quality Vanilla Beans

One common mistake is using low-quality vanilla beans. The flavour of your paste largely depends on the beans you choose. Always opt for fresh, high-quality vanilla beans. Dry or stale beans will yield a weak, flavourless paste.

Not Scraping Enough Vanilla Seeds

Another mistake is not scraping out enough of the vanilla seeds. In this method on how to make vanilla bean paste, the seeds, or “caviar,” are the show’s star—failing to thoroughly scrape them out results in a paste that lacks intensity. Split the beans lengthwise and carefully scrape out all the seeds to maximise flavour.

Inaccurate Measurements

Inaccurate measurements can also affect the consistency of your paste. Adding too much or too little sugar or liquid can result in a paste that’s too runny or too thick. Follow your vanilla paste recipe carefully to achieve the perfect consistency.

Skipping the Grinding Process

Lastly, skipping the grinding process is a standard error. Grinding the vanilla seeds with sugar helps to release their essential oils, enhancing the flavour. If you skip this step, your paste might have a more robust taste than you want.

Prefer Ready-Made Vanilla Paste?

If you’d rather skip the hassle or ensure a consistent, high-quality product, consider purchasing premium paste from Natural Vanilla. Our paste is crafted with care to deliver the best flavour and aroma. Buy vanilla paste at Natural Vanilla today and elevate your baking effortlessly!

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Vanilla Paste Recipe

Natural Vanilla Store / 09/03/2021 / Make Vanilla Paste, Vanilla Bean Paste, Vanilla Paste, Vanilla Paste Recipe

Easy Vanilla Paste Recipe

Vanilla paste is made starting with the exact same method explained in the Vanilla Extract Recipe, except when straining out the vanilla pieces from the fluid, do not remove the vanilla seeds. This is achieved by using a sieve with hole sizes around 1mm which will let the tiny vanilla seeds through the sieve.

Vanilla Paste Recipe – Thickening Agent

Use a natural product such as cornstarch, gelatin, psyllium husk or xanthan gum to thicken the liquid so that the vanilla seeds are suspended in the fluid rather than sinking to the bottom.

If the thickening product has some lumps through the vanilla paste, leave it to sit overnight so the lumps can soften and then can more easily be mixed in. Transfer the completed vanilla paste into an air-tight container and store it at room temperature.

The alcohol content contained in the vanilla paste will ensure it keeps indefinitely. Use 0.5fl.oz (15ml), which is about 3 teaspoons per 33fl.oz (1 liter) of food.

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