Many people enjoy preparing their own authentic vanilla extract by using vanilla beans, the fruit of an orchid plant.  The fruit of the orchid is very similar to the shape of a bean, thereby earning the name vanilla bean. This vanilla orchid usually grows in a tropical climate. The dark brown vanilla bean is generally 7 to 9 inches long and weighs about 5 grams. It can yield 1/2 teaspoon of seeds when the bean pod is opened and scraped. Many experts say that one-quarter teaspoon of this vanilla seeds is just enough to add great vanilla flavor to any recipe that can serve at least 4 to 5 people. Vanilla extract is not only used for pastries, baked goods, and candies, you can also add it to your coffee, a chocolate drink, perfume, and even a tobacco pipe.

Vanilla extract has been used for hundreds of years now and this flavor is very strong and sweet. Today, there are many companies that produce vanilla extract and you can find them for purchase in a grocery store, gourmet stores, convenience stores, and online stores. There are many other additional products that you can buy derived from the vanilla bean such as vanilla paste, vanilla powder, vanilla sugar and ground vanilla beans. This may make it very hard for you to choose which particular product you need to buy. But keep in mind no matter which version of vanilla you choose, be sure that it is pure and authentic vanilla and not an imitation. When the product is not authentic, it has a different flavor and aroma.  There is no substitute for real vanilla beans and the products that these beans create.

There are actually 150 different varieties of the vanilla plant, but only two of these are in demand in the market - Bourbon Madagascar and Tahitian vanilla beans. Creating vanilla extract from these beans is done by chopping the vanilla beans and fermenting them with the use of ethyl alcohol and water. It is important to always keep the mixture cool in the process in order to avoid excessive loss of flavor. The process of extracting the flavor from the vanilla bean will take at least 48 hours.  

The best vanilla extract is made from premium beans and no sugar because it produces a very clean and fresh flavor. This kind of extract can be very expensive, but the flavor of this vanilla extract is very pleasing to your taste buds. You can purchase authentic vanilla extract at a gourmet store or online. Vanilla is naturally aged over time and there are companies that even hold the extract for up to two years in order for the extract to reach certain flavor before they allow the product to be sold.  And what's great is that gourmet vanilla extract can be stored indefinitely as long as it is kept in a cool dark place like inside your pantry. Refrigerating vanilla extract is not recommended.

There are people who prefer not to use the alcohol-based extract so they substitute it with natural vanilla flavor that is available in different specialty food stores. The vanilla flavor that you can easily find in your favorite grocery store is a combination of pure vanilla extract as well as synthetic substances like vanillin. There are lots of common brands that contain complete blends of natural and artificial vanilla flavor. Using authentic vanilla extract will provide the best flavour and aroma for all your recipes that call for this ingredient.  If you and your family are already accustomed to the natural/synthetic blend of vanilla extract that is generally found in your local grocery store, then you will be pleasantly surprised when you switch to the all-natural pure product.  Synthetic extracts often leave a lingering aftertaste whereas pure extracts have a more potent aroma and never leave an unpleasant aftertaste.  The flavor is smooth, very enjoyable and unmatched when it comes to baking your favorite desserts.