If you are looking for information on vanilla bean substitute, then try using vanilla extract, vanilla powder or vanilla sugar. To understand more about these vanilla bean alternatives and usage quantities, read on...
Vanilla is a spice for flavoring, named after the orchid plant, Vanilla from which it is extracted. The fruits borne on the seed pods of this particular plant are known as vanilla beans. The floral flavored vanilla is the second leading expensive spice next to saffron. This high price is mainly because of the extensive labor employed in hand pollinating the vanilla blossoms (within 12 hours after opening), without which there are no fruit formation. Harvesting the vanilla beans is as laborious as pollinating the flowers. They are hand-picked individually during a specific stage, before the fruits become fully matured. The commercial value of the beans is fixed by their maturity and pod length, wherein beans longer than 15 cm are superior products and those measuring between 10 - 15 cm are second quality product. After 6 months treatment, the beans are packaged and sold commercially.
The cured vanilla beans are used in a wide range of recipes, ranging from sauces to sweet candies, cakes and ice-creams. Adding them not only imparts a unique aroma, but they also provide a visual element to the dishes. In order to add vanilla beans in coffee grinding or sauce making, you need to split the beans longitudinally and remove the seeds with a knife. There are not many alternatives for using in place of these flavorful vanilla beans. Nevertheless, you can find some ingredients that can be added as a vanilla bean substitute in preparing recipes.
Substitute for Vanilla Bean
Adding vanilla beans in cakes and other recipes takes longer time for preparation, but they impart the strongest flavor than any other vanilla products. Also, with beans, the dishes are free of alcohol, which is present in case of vanilla extract. Imagine you are baking vanilla beans cheesecake for your guests and in the last minute, you notice that there are no vanilla beans left. Do not fret, you can still have your favorite cake by using any one of the following vanilla bean subtitutes:
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is commonly used for home baking purposes. Prepared by steeping vanilla beans in a solution of water and alcohol, it is a dark colored and highly aromatic liquid. It is the probably the best substitute for vanilla beans. You can use 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of a superior quality vanilla extract in substitution of one vanilla bean. If necessary, you can add a few drops of vanilla extract to get the desired flavor.
Vanilla Powder
Vanilla powder lacks alcohol, which makes them an ideal vanilla bean substitution to make custards and dessert recipes. They are ground after drying and pulverizing vanilla beans. Some manufacturers market sweetened vanilla powder. Hence, ensure that you check the label while purchasing the powder form of vanilla. Substitute 2 teaspoons vanilla powder instead of adding one vanilla bean.
Vanilla Sugar
Another vanilla bean alternative is vanilla sugar, which is available in granulated form, similar to regular sugar. It is nothing but white sugar commercially imparted with vanilla flavor. You can notice fine, dark grains of vanilla beans in the sugar. Using 1 - 2 teaspoons of vanilla sugar provides the same flavor as that of one vanilla bean in sweet desserts. Accordingly, reduce the amount of sugar that you will be adding in the dessert recipe.
Vanillin Sugar
Vanillin sugar is white sugar, manufactured by using synthetic vanillin. Unlike vanilla sugar, it is slightly bitter in taste. Over here, vanillin is extracted from other plants and essential oils that contain vanilla flavor. For example, lignin is widely used for production of synthetic vanillin. You can use 1 - 2 teaspoons of vanillin sugar in one batch of dough or batter. Know more on vanilla extract substitute.
Try the above mentioned vanilla bean substitute and make the best of your cooking. In comparison to whole vanilla beans, the extract form is cheaper and easier to use. You can also prepare homemade vanilla extract on your own and use it throughout the year. In an airtight bottle, take Ð… a cup of rum or vodka (preferably a superior quality rum) and add 2 vanilla beans after spitting them lengthwise. Leave the bottle in a cool and dark place for about 2 months, after which you can use the extract for baking and cooking purposes.
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