Vanilla is one of the most prized spices for its delicate and intense aroma. At KASANA, we import organic gourmet vanilla from Uganda, a variety that is particularly aromatic and rich in vanillin.
Did you know that vanilla beans can have many lives? That’s right, they can be used multiple times and in many different ways! There’s no need to waste this essential ingredient for sweet and savory recipes, so let’s discover how to use vanilla beans from A to Z.
Use of vanilla seeds
The seeds inside vanilla beans contain most of the spice’s flavor and benefits. They are often used to add a touch of natural sweetness to baked goods and drinks.
To use vanilla seeds, start by flattening the bean with the back of a knife and split it in half lengthwise. Then, scrape out the black seeds inside with a knife.
All you have to do is add the precious seeds to your preparations to infuse the sweet vanilla flavor.
Use of vanilla peels
Once the seeds have been removed, do not throw away the vanilla bean peels. Even without their seeds, vanilla beans are still rich in flavor and can be used to infuse your preparations.
For example, you can make vanilla-flavored drinks by adding the beans to hot milk, tea or even your favorite alcoholic drinks. Once the beverage of your choice has been infused, rinse and dry the bean for future use. And that is until it has no more flavor!
You can also use your beans to make vanilla sugar or flavored coffee. To do this, put your coffee or sugar in a tightly sealed jar with the vanilla beans and let it sit for about 2 weeks to let the flavors soak in. Don’t forget to stir from time to time!
You don’t want to use your vanilla beans right away, but you don’t want to throw them away either? Make vanilla powder to use in your next recipes. Dry your beans, either in the open air or by putting them in the oven at 40° and 50° for about ten minutes. Once dried, crush them with a pestle or blend them into a fine powder.
In short, vanilla beans are a rich and versatile ingredient in the kitchen. Add a touch of flavor to your recipes with KASANA’s organic gourmet vanilla!
