great way of doing it I’ve started l started 11 months ago purchased 17 lbs at $110 each and it’s done 15 lbs at 17.4 once’s per gallon and I loved doing it your way.
Oh no, this is like waiting for a new season on a tv show. 😂. I am anxiously waiting part 4. Thank you so much for sharing all of your tried and true steps!
Grinding or mashing the beans is how the most respected commercial vanilla extract producer, Nielsen-Massey, makes their extract. Anyone who complains how you do your extract, doesn’t know what they’re doing.
I just wanted to thank you for making these videos. I have received my first ever vanilla bean order and started my first extracts just last week. I could read every word of advice in the co op but it really helps me to see it done. I’m following your method closely (minus the vacuum sealing because I don’t have that) and I hope to have a good extract to give as gifts for Christmas this year. Thanks again! Anxiously awaiting the next video!
Thank you! even if your not vacuum sealing your vanilla should e ready by the holidays for sure. Just remember to shake them as often as you can. This helps with the process.
I've been working on several recipes. Nothing really is a true recipe, unless you measure it, but I am experimenting with flavors: almond, raisin, strawberry and vanilla extract in a few different hard liquors all in one bottle!. It tastes like candy, but I just added the vanilla beans, and more liquor.
You can get those jars in that size that are amber now. I use my 32oz amber Ball jars for making my vanilla. I have learned a few new tips from you that I can't wait to add to my own process!
Oh that is great. I use to buy amber jars but after testing clear vs amber is taste testing there is real no difference plus I like to show off my vanilla fluid and I can see if there is problems growing inside the jar.
Thanks for the awesome update, Shane! I am at week 3 with three half gallon jars using your method. It's going great and already very dark! I love getting tips from you because I opened one of the jars yesterday to release seal, just using my hand, and sloshed a little out!😳 So I'm going to get a screwdriver next time! Thanks! Looking forward to next update!
I am interested in following your video in making my own extract. Your videos are exelent!!! My only question is buying a good mason jar vacuum sealer. I might have missed your suggestions for this but would love advice where to find decent one a. Thanks in advance.
They are hard to find right now. The best way to find them is checking amazon for Food Saver Jar sealers. They go quickly so when you see them buy it or it will be gone. Everyone is having a hard time finding them and Amazon seems to be the best place to find them with out being price gouged.
Hi Shane, I really appreciate your videos, thanks! They’ve been so helpful. The Papau New Guinea beans are going to be available for ordering soon. I think I remember in one of your previous videos, you said that you only buy Madagascar beans. Am I remembering correctly? Wondering what the difference is... and if I should just wait for the next Madagascar order.
Yes I have been only buying Madagascar beans. I just feel they have a better stronger flavor then all the others. But I always encourage others to try new things. My taste is different then others and my customers really love my vanilla so I am not going to change it until I find something better.
I bought that set recently for other uses. Works great so far. I'm even using it for sealing jars of homemade ghee. The hand pump works well. Usually too lazy to bother hooking up my Food Saver to it but will try sometime. Thanks for the video 🙂
Hello Clement Family! Thank you for your down to earth delivery on how to make extract. I am very much looking forward to the next update. I just jarred my beans the other day. I split them and cut them in half but not separate nor did I strip them. Can I pull them now and "start over"? Also, do you make any other types of extract? Cheers!
Yes you can pull them anytime and split them. This will help speed up your process to a finished extract. The only other extract I make is coffee and almond extract because I use them for baking my self. The coffee one I really didn't like that much and I made way to much off it. I will use it up in baking but probably will not make it again. But the almond extract I will make every time we harvest our stone fruits from out orchard. The almond is the best ever and so easy to do. Thank you for the kinds words and I am looking forward to the next videos also.
I love your videos! I just found your channel. I'm curious to know why you don't just start with the vanilla bean pods being about 1" in length from the start? After slicing them in half and scraping, chop them up.
Yeah I like to give them a soft chop after a few weeks. I like to wait a little bit to get them good and soaked. That softens up the outer skin of the pod a little bit and helps with chopping. I just want a soft chop on them I really do not want to pulverize them and make more of a mess when I go to bottle them. I hope that makes sense!
@@ClementFamilyFarms it absolutely makes sense. I have yet to make vanilla extract but bought a small pack of vanilla beans at Costco. Keep up the awesome videos. 😀
In the description of the video is a link to Vanilla Bean Kings and a 10% off discount code. I have been using them about 7 years now and they are much cheaper. I only recommend buying them by the once and not quantity. It is cheaper by the once. I just released a new video today and I have another one coming tomorrow or the nest day. If you didn't see it already I have a whole vanilla series play list,
@@ClementFamilyFarms thank you! Yes, I have been going through your Playlist. I'm on I think it's number 4, I know it's an hour long video so I had to put it on pause. I have your link to that website open on my laptop currently and thank you for the tip on buying them by the ounce. I'm thinking of trying my hand at vanilla extract before the holiday season to be able to gift it. Do you have a way I can buy a bottle of your extract? I'd love to try it, you put so much heart and soul behind your "brewing".
I usually don't sell out side of my area only because I am sold out before I am finished making my extract. I make 20-40 gallons a year and have a 2 clients who buy 75% of that. Then the other 25% is my wait local wait list. If you were on the central coast of Ca. I could put you on that list.
Hi Fran The strainers hold a lot of seeds and will clog the screen often. I use a wooden Popsicle stick to scrap the sides or a small silicone spatula. I get what ever I can out by hand then just rinse the screens with water.
I wonder about moving the extract to the blender, etc. You must lose some seeds each time. Would it be the same if the beans were scraped/cut into smaller lengths at the start of the process? Everything would stay contained vs. losing seeds to blenders/strainers/jars that might be hard to get out
I must say, I don’t see why you wouldn’t have blended them right at the start lightly just to get them to that size in the first place and have to skip this step and potential contamination later on. I’m sure you have a good reason?
Thank you! Dug out my food saver as my lids came today and right next tp it was that stainless coffee filter that doesnt fit any of our makers! Perfect. Putting together my extract supplies.
Where did you get the test tube kit? Or did you make it yourself? That's pretty cool little contraption. I am definitely going to be trying this way out. Not really looking forward to 6 months to a year for extract. Also, have you ever thought of making any other flavored extracts?
This is one of my older videos and I am not using the test tube method any more as it was a crude method. Sense this video I have learned about using a TDS meter to monitor the extractions and knowing exact time frames and not guessing anymore. This method is used by some of the oldest vanilla companies on the market today. I have a video on TDS metering you should check it out.
Grade A and grade B vanilla beans are pretty much the same as far as flavor. The grade A have a little more moisture content and usually prettier with no blemishes. I always look at pricing between the A&B. Grade B should be much lower in price but the last couple of years they have been about the same prices or maybe a little less like $0.75 to $1.25 per oz less at times. At prices like this I buy the grade A unless the grade B drops $2.00 lower then grade A's. As of now I only buy Grade A's.
I swear we have a similar thought process. When I made all my Christmas gift bottles (2022) I had made 3 half gallon jars. I had been buying small amounts of different kinds of beans not really sure what I was doing. When they were done extracting all the bottles had different beans.... I didn't want the flavors to be different and the same across the board. I decided to mix all the extract in a large container before bottling. I had strained it through a larger metal strainer to remove all the beans (I had let them extract whole for a few months to plump up then cut off the ends and squeezed all the caviar out then cut the beans into 1/2" pieces). All the caviar went to the bottom of the container and I had put some in each bottle along with a few small pieces of bean. I felt people would like it as they would be able to see the beans used and have some of the caviar while using the extract. After I had bottled everything I still had a decent amount of caviar left in the bottom of the container so I saved it in a small bottle for myself to use. Once again I feel I have been doing something right as I am not the only one with these thoughts!
I have quart jars half full and 12 oz jars with 8 oz vodka, and I can’t seem to get the vacuum to work. My food saver is functioning, so how long should it take to vacuum seal jars not comp,Evelyn full?
Your food saver should have a automatic stop on it if it is working properly. Two things could be happening. 1 the lid you are using is the wrong type or has a bad seal on it. 2. The O ring seal on your food saver attachment might be installed wrong or backwards and can not seal properly. When your trying to vacuum seal you will hear the machine change pitch as it makes the seal and then it is only a few seconds and it is finished. You can check your machine to see if it working properly by plugging off the hose and start it. The machine should go right in to its cycle and shut off automatically with in a few seconds. If the machine is working properly then move on to the attachment. Try cleaning the seal on the inside of the attachment with soap and water and make sure to clean the inside of the attachment also. One grain of sugar can cause the attachment not to deal on the jar. The last thing is make sure you are using the metal canning lids with no rings just the lid. Ok I hope this helps and you figure it out and get it working again.
So I was not really into the hype of all the different blenders. I did a lot of reading on the Ninja and ended up getting one. I will say this has been the best blender I have ever had. I ended up getting the package deal and we use it all the time for making shakes and slushies. Plus it has the dough blade and setting and with the power this thing has it simple to whip a nice bread dough for dinner. Here is the link to the one I bought. amzn.to/2NY8ISg
Is it possible to leave or put in extra pods whole with the end clipped off so I can use use the inside for paste? Let those pods hang out out in the extract until I use it? As a baker we run through lots of vanilla and often like to add paste.
yes to all your questions. Are you using the paste for the visual effect in your baked goods? The reason why I ask I have worked with many bakers and want the seeds for visual because they still use the extract for flavoring. Even with my method you still can get the seeds out with a turkey baster or a long milk shake spoon. All the seeds are at the bottom and can be reached with either of those 2 methods and added to your baked goods. My next video coming out in a few days will show me bottling my extract and adding the seeds to each bottle. This gives each baker a choice to have seeds or not when pouring out the extract. If they want the seeds the can just shake the bottle before pouring it out and they get plenty of seeds. If they don't want seeds they don't shake the bottle before pouring. This just saves them a little time and labor when baking and give them the option. I know some gourmet baked goods are moisture sensitive so using a double or triple fold extract with paste might work better. Those are my thoughts
@@ClementFamilyFarms Thanks for the quick reply. I use paste in formulas that call for paste. It can be due to moisture, but often it is in conjuction with extract. Again, both items are usually the largest on the food cost sheet. Looking at trying this method out.
If you need vanilla beans check out my links in the description and use my coupon code for 10% off. I have been using this company a little over 3 years and have been really happy with them.
This is new for me…I’m just seeing your vanilla videos… now I’m binge watching all the steps…this is so kewl…my hubby doesn’t know it yet but this is going to be our new hobby to try…thank you so much for sharing…we from Louisiana
Question: why not blend the beans & alcohol at the beginning of the process? Have you tried it both ways? I'm thinking that you might get an even stringer brew if blended first, then using your usual vacuum seal process. Also, have to tried using reusable lids like the Tattlers? Just wondering if you'd be able to vacuum seal those ones extra tight to increase extraction power / ratio. Thanks very much in advance for answering.
I have not tried the reusable lids for vacuum sealing. I do enough canning i have tons of used lids that work perfectly for vacuum sealing. As far as blending the beans at the start of the batch I have tested this a couple of times and really it is up to you it works both ways. But i have found if you let them soak for about a week or so the pods get softer and chop up better and less hard on my equipment. I do rough chop on my beans to were they are aprox 3/8 in size this helps on the straining side. Too fine of a chop the strainers get plugged faster and take more work.
What about using 50% coconut rum and using 50% sugarcane ethanol? What are your thoughts? Also using white rum instead of coconut rum. Or mixing 50% white rum with sugarcane ethanol. It was recommended to get the purest taste of each vanilla bean to use sugarcane ethanol. So I bought a case of 1 liter bottles. But I can see how the white rum or coconut rum would add a little sweetness to the vanilla. My first few small batches are only about 2.5 weeks into using the sugarcane ethanol or actually vodka. I wonder about adding 50% white rum or coconut rum with more beans to the sugarcane ethanol that I am already using. I know you can mix some of the white alcohols, so I was wondering since the white rum or coconut rum adds some sweetness if it would be ok to add 50% of one of the rums. What do you think about white rum that I already bought and mixing it with the sugarcane ethanol. I would love your honest opinion. I am a new vanilla extractor beginning for family. Would love your input!!!
I will be trying some sugarcane alcohol in the future. I have blended other alcohols in the past and really don't like them and keep going back to the coconut rum 70 proof. I personally don't like the white rums as I feel they kinda give me a metal taste in my mouth and plain white rums will not add sweetness. The coconut rum will though. The sugarcane alcohols I dont know much about and want to experiment with them a little bit. But I also need to taste them also to give and opinion on it. If you already have have white rum I would mix it with coconut rum to use it up. Your extract will be just fine. The biggest thing out of the alcohols is to get them down to 70 proof.
I am at 7 weeks and am thinking of chopping it up more for more extraction.It will still be ok even if I dont have a vacuum seal right? Im not bottling til late October.
Testing just tells you when the bean pods are finished giving you extract. I test every batch because not every batch is the same. The vanilla beans act differently depending on the time of year and the grower. I have some finish extracting in as little as 3 months and some 7 months. Lately I have not had any go past 4 months using my method. If your doing everything consistently and waited 5 months you should be just fine with out testing. Ok I hope this helps.
Hi. I'm still trying to talk myself up to doing this process because I wanted to make some as Christmas gifts this year. Thank you for the info. Do you sell your extracts online?
I wanted to come back and give an update. The jar sealer was out of stock for a while and I finally got one. I started the process 2 weeks ago without out, but I'll vacuum seal them this week and try this process. I'm excited to see the results. Thank you for your very detailed videos!
I agree, I lost 2 large jars of vanilla and alcohol when the jars broke into thousands of tiny splinters and pieces of glass. Couldn't salvage anything not even beans as full of tiny glass splinters. Not worth the risk in my opinion.
No they are pretty much done at that point when I bottle. They may leach out a tiny bit more but after testing it a few times the little bit it gives out over 6 months doesn't change the flavor and not worth the time or effort.
Maybe I missed something (I didn't watch Part 2) but I thought you only used vodka (Part 1) yet in this video you're talking as if you used cocoanut rum?
I live in San Diego and can’t find Captain Morgan Rum anywhere! I was told at Bev Mo, when they checked in the computer, the company is no longer making this variety. Can you suggest something comparable? (I’ve heard Malibu Coconut rum is cloyingly sweet.)
I meant my previous comment to say I can’t find Captain Morgan “Coconut Rum,” anywhere, in person or online. Apparently it’s no longer being manufactured. What would be a comparable item?
Malibu rum doesnt have the right % of alcohol to make extract. So the captain Morgan Patriot bay rums are not being sold in California anymore so some reason this is true. They are still selling the smaller 750 ml bottles at Albertsons and Walmart fresh markets. If they dont have it on the shelf ask the front desk to order you some and they will. I order all mine from the front desk at Albertsons and surprisingly enough they are the cheapest around. My second top pick alcohol is New Amsterdam vodka its smooth and makes a really good extract with any other flavors added to it. I hope this helps thank you
What size sieve are you using to strain the extract the first time to remove large pieces and the second time to catch the seeds only? I have a bunch of small pieces of husk and membrane that need to be removed but I want all the seeds.
So I run everything through a fine mesh strainer like the ones I will link here. amzn.to/336vQpm The seeds usually past through these strainers but some will be held up in it but just run your fluid over the top of it again to flush them through. Once I do that then I use a a Stainless steel coffee filter and I will link it below also. amzn.to/34pzQBW
You can not make a second batch of extract from already used beans. If your really making a completely finished extract your vanilla beans are spent and no longer good for extract. There are people saying you can get a second extract out of them this is simply not true. It is the same reason we do not use coffee grounds or tea bags twice.
@@ClementFamilyFarms thx for responding! Really appreciate your straightforward methods, especially after joining a couple of fb groups. (Lots of static from the newer than mes😏). I think you've covered all the questions!
Yeah you absolutely can chop them before putting the in. The only reason I don't is because i want them to soak up some of the fluid first. This helps the outer skin soften and easier on the machine to do a rough chop on them. Plus I think it does a better job at beating up the outer skin with out having to chop it up really fine.
Usually vanilla added to alcohols for flavoring is artificial. Sometimes those artificial flavorings will give off a hint chemical taste and I don't want that for my extracts.
Awesome tutorials. I watched all 3 videos and wondered since you started with a presoak, opened up the pods with blade then on week 7 chopped in blender, since presoaked why not chop them then after slicing in half and scooping out caviar. Thanks for your videos.
So in part 1 of my video I did have the vanilla beans in a presoak because i had them in storage for a few months. That is only because when my shipment came in and I was scheduled for surgery and had to store the beans for a month or so. It was a great opportunity to make a storing vanilla video also. Yes your right I could have done a chop on them in the first video but I wanted to start my vanilla series like I got my vanilla shipment fresh. My normal shipments I just split, scrap and add to jars and let them soak for about 6 weeks before chopping. The reason why I wait is to allow the beans to swell up a little and get a little loose. Then when I do the rough chop it beats the beans up a little better. Ok I hope this clears things up a little bit. I love it when people are paying attention that is great. Thank you
I hate to say it but they are urine sample tubes for animals. When you live on a ranch and your good friends are Veterinarians and your partner is a Vet tech supervisor I tend to be resourceful sometimes. Sense they are brand new they are sterilized and clean. But you can find something similar on amazon. I have these ones in my cart for another project. Check them out. amzn.to/3E5CKbP
My way of speeding up my extract is I have a uncle who's a truck driver and drives coast to coast and he keeps two half-full gallons of my extract in his truck sleeper and they slosh back and forward while he's driving cross country.
if I can give a little constructive criticism it's that you repeat a bit too much, making the video longer than need be, but I love your stuff non the less so don't take it too heavy :) a tip i hear from other video makers is to write down what you will say, but i can't say how or anything more, just something i've heard before :)
Thank you very much for your input and your honesty. I appreciate that more then people just saying negative comments with no help to make it better. This is all new to me and I am doing everything all by myself along with my daily chores. I do repeat my self and try to take out that when editing but sometimes I miss it even after staring at it for hours. I tried writing it down but I am dyslexic and cant even read my own writing. The first videos 8 hours of video I shot never made it public it was so horrible. I never knew how hard this would be but each of my videos I think are getting better I hope. With out people like you I don't know what to improve on Thank you again.
@@ClementFamilyFarms Yes they are definitely getting better! I am also dyslectic and I understand the same issues in life, if I would have a go at this I would definitely advice to write it on the computer if that helps. On top of that... the novelty of unscripted videos is also something people enjoy and it keeps them ''real'' so I would also want to be wary not to make a too scripted video... don't try too hard to be too perfect, you know... it's a balance I think you have to find once you go that route. So please again, don't take any of this too heavy, your info is solid and in the end that's all that counts so keep it up!
Well what color would you like to see? I have only been changing colors because of my daughter being cooped up and I am trying to help her get through these isolated times. I have been helping her dye her hair and then she helps me.
call me a karen, but I was told If your extract still tastes of alcohol, Wait a bit longer; give it at least another month or so before calling it. If the alcohol flavor still dominates the flavor of the vanilla after four months, do some troubleshooting. Option one is to just wait it out. More time will result in a stronger flavor, or To speed up the process, I could always add another vanilla bean pod or two split
Thank you for your honesty it is more than welcomed! I have been making extract little over 28 years and every batch comes out a little different each time. I did mention in my part 4 video it did have a little bite to it still. But the vanilla is strong and that's is this most important thing. One of the reasons I use the 70 proof alcohol is because you have a better chance of taking the bite out but it doesn't always happen. The only place your going to taste the alcohol bite is if your tasting it straight from the bottle. You will never taste it if your mixing drinks or baking with it. Alcohol burns off at 170-190 degrees so if your using in baking it all gone by the time your baked goods are done. You could add more beans to your bottle but it doesn't mean it will take the alcohol bite out or speed up the process. There is no real right answer to this like I have stated in my process before I keep my recipe, alcohol types and process the same and I still get slight varying results each time. The only thing that changes is the Vanilla beans time of year, how they are grown, harvested and dried for shipments. So many factors no real good answers.
great way of doing it I’ve started l started 11 months ago purchased 17 lbs at $110 each and it’s done 15 lbs at 17.4 once’s per gallon and I loved doing it your way.
Nice work!
Oh no, this is like waiting for a new season on a tv show. 😂. I am anxiously waiting part 4. Thank you so much for sharing all of your tried and true steps!
You are so welcome
This is so true! 😂🥰
Grinding or mashing the beans is how the most respected commercial vanilla extract producer, Nielsen-Massey, makes their extract. Anyone who complains how you do your extract, doesn’t know what they’re doing.
I just wanted to thank you for making these videos. I have received my first ever vanilla bean order and started my first extracts just last week. I could read every word of advice in the co op but it really helps me to see it done. I’m following your method closely (minus the vacuum sealing because I don’t have that) and I hope to have a good extract to give as gifts for Christmas this year.
Thanks again! Anxiously awaiting the next video!
Thank you! even if your not vacuum sealing your vanilla should e ready by the holidays for sure. Just remember to shake them as often as you can. This helps with the process.
I'm going to snip off the ends and weigh them and buy a bunch of travel size liquors, so in a couple years I'll have really fun gifts! 😊
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
I've been working on several recipes. Nothing really is a true recipe, unless you measure it, but I am experimenting with flavors: almond, raisin, strawberry and vanilla extract in a few different hard liquors all in one bottle!. It tastes like candy, but I just added the vanilla beans, and more liquor.
How do you do that?
You can get those jars in that size that are amber now. I use my 32oz amber Ball jars for making my vanilla. I have learned a few new tips from you that I can't wait to add to my own process!
Oh that is great. I use to buy amber jars but after testing clear vs amber is taste testing there is real no difference plus I like to show off my vanilla fluid and I can see if there is problems growing inside the jar.
That is just my 2 cents
Thanks for the awesome update, Shane! I am at week 3 with three half gallon jars using your method. It's going great and already very dark! I love getting tips from you because I opened one of the jars yesterday to release seal, just using my hand, and sloshed a little out!😳 So I'm going to get a screwdriver next time! Thanks! Looking forward to next update!
Thank you. Yeah I have been really happy with this method. Hahaha I bet you tasted what sloshed out!
Yes, I did! 🤣 And at lightning speed before it dripped off the kitchen counter! And I was pleasantly surprised by the taste already. Good stuff!
Have to respect a man that goes thru this much R&D for a non commercial product.
Thanks.
I've been waiting for this one, I'm only a week ahead of you on my brew. Thanks for the videos, my batch smells heavenly!
Glad you enjoy it! I know my hobby room smells heavenly when I am working vanilla. I dont even care if I spill it on my self. Lol
I am interested in following your video in making my own extract. Your videos are exelent!!! My only question is buying a good mason jar vacuum sealer. I might have missed your suggestions for this but would love advice where to find decent one a. Thanks in advance.
They are hard to find right now. The best way to find them is checking amazon for Food Saver Jar sealers. They go quickly so when you see them buy it or it will be gone. Everyone is having a hard time finding them and Amazon seems to be the best place to find them with out being price gouged.
I am going to do a basic Q&A video on Vanilla extract is there any questions or information you would like to see on that video?
Hi Shane, I really appreciate your videos, thanks! They’ve been so helpful. The Papau New Guinea beans are going to be available for ordering soon. I think I remember in one of your previous videos, you said that you only buy Madagascar beans. Am I remembering correctly? Wondering what the difference is... and if I should just wait for the next Madagascar order.
Yes I have been only buying Madagascar beans. I just feel they have a better stronger flavor then all the others. But I always encourage others to try new things. My taste is different then others and my customers really love my vanilla so I am not going to change it until I find something better.
I bought that set recently for other uses. Works great so far. I'm even using it for sealing jars of homemade ghee. The hand pump works well. Usually too lazy to bother hooking up my Food Saver to it but will try sometime. Thanks for the video 🙂
Hello Clement Family! Thank you for your down to earth delivery on how to make extract. I am very much looking forward to the next update. I just jarred my beans the other day. I split them and cut them in half but not separate nor did I strip them. Can I pull them now and "start over"? Also, do you make any other types of extract? Cheers!
Yes you can pull them anytime and split them. This will help speed up your process to a finished extract. The only other extract I make is coffee and almond extract because I use them for baking my self. The coffee one I really didn't like that much and I made way to much off it. I will use it up in baking but probably will not make it again. But the almond extract I will make every time we harvest our stone fruits from out orchard. The almond is the best ever and so easy to do. Thank you for the kinds words and I am looking forward to the next videos also.
You need to update the vacuum sealer link for amazon. Love your videos.
Thank you! Will do!
I love your videos! I just found your channel. I'm curious to know why you don't just start with the vanilla bean pods being about 1" in length from the start? After slicing them in half and scraping, chop them up.
Yeah I like to give them a soft chop after a few weeks. I like to wait a little bit to get them good and soaked. That softens up the outer skin of the pod a little bit and helps with chopping. I just want a soft chop on them I really do not want to pulverize them and make more of a mess when I go to bottle them. I hope that makes sense!
@@ClementFamilyFarms it absolutely makes sense. I have yet to make vanilla extract but bought a small pack of vanilla beans at Costco. Keep up the awesome videos. 😀
In the description of the video is a link to Vanilla Bean Kings and a 10% off discount code. I have been using them about 7 years now and they are much cheaper. I only recommend buying them by the once and not quantity. It is cheaper by the once. I just released a new video today and I have another one coming tomorrow or the nest day. If you didn't see it already I have a whole vanilla series play list,
@@ClementFamilyFarms thank you! Yes, I have been going through your Playlist. I'm on I think it's number 4, I know it's an hour long video so I had to put it on pause. I have your link to that website open on my laptop currently and thank you for the tip on buying them by the ounce. I'm thinking of trying my hand at vanilla extract before the holiday season to be able to gift it. Do you have a way I can buy a bottle of your extract? I'd love to try it, you put so much heart and soul behind your "brewing".
I usually don't sell out side of my area only because I am sold out before I am finished making my extract. I make 20-40 gallons a year and have a 2 clients who buy 75% of that. Then the other 25% is my wait local wait list. If you were on the central coast of Ca. I could put you on that list.
Thank you Shane - enjoy your videos. Is there a reason why you don't just chop your beans in the beginning?
Yeah I want them to get fully saturated and plump before hit them with the chopper. I think it gives a better chop on them and beats them up better.
Shane, how do you rinse your strainer? Do you wash with water? Do you rinse with alcohol? Does it hold a lot of the seeds?
Hi Fran
The strainers hold a lot of seeds and will clog the screen often. I use a wooden Popsicle stick to scrap the sides or a small silicone spatula. I get what ever I can out by hand then just rinse the screens with water.
I wonder about moving the extract to the blender, etc. You must lose some seeds each time. Would it be the same if the beans were scraped/cut into smaller lengths at the start of the process? Everything would stay contained vs. losing seeds to blenders/strainers/jars that might be hard to get out
I must say, I don’t see why you wouldn’t have blended them right at the start lightly just to get them to that size in the first place and have to skip this step and potential contamination later on. I’m sure you have a good reason?
Thank you! Dug out my food saver as my lids came today and right next tp it was that stainless coffee filter that doesnt fit any of our makers! Perfect. Putting together my extract supplies.
Oh that's great. You will be happier with the new food saver sealer jar attachment.
@@ClementFamilyFarms it was MUCH easier and faster
Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Would the hand held Food Savers vacuum sealer work on the lids?
I personally never used it but if it is made for vacuum sealing canning jars it should work.
Thank you, Shane. 💛🤎
Where did you get the test tube kit? Or did you make it yourself? That's pretty cool little contraption. I am definitely going to be trying this way out. Not really looking forward to 6 months to a year for extract. Also, have you ever thought of making any other flavored extracts?
This is one of my older videos and I am not using the test tube method any more as it was a crude method. Sense this video I have learned about using a TDS meter to monitor the extractions and knowing exact time frames and not guessing anymore. This method is used by some of the oldest vanilla companies on the market today. I have a video on TDS metering you should check it out.
Thank you Shane for all of your personal experiences. It is really helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for such detailed information. May I ask if you use grade A bean pods or grade B. Does it make a difference? Thank you
Grade A and grade B vanilla beans are pretty much the same as far as flavor. The grade A have a little more moisture content and usually prettier with no blemishes. I always look at pricing between the A&B. Grade B should be much lower in price but the last couple of years they have been about the same prices or maybe a little less like $0.75 to $1.25 per oz less at times. At prices like this I buy the grade A unless the grade B drops $2.00 lower then grade A's. As of now I only buy Grade A's.
I swear we have a similar thought process. When I made all my Christmas gift bottles (2022) I had made 3 half gallon jars. I had been buying small amounts of different kinds of beans not really sure what I was doing. When they were done extracting all the bottles had different beans.... I didn't want the flavors to be different and the same across the board. I decided to mix all the extract in a large container before bottling. I had strained it through a larger metal strainer to remove all the beans (I had let them extract whole for a few months to plump up then cut off the ends and squeezed all the caviar out then cut the beans into 1/2" pieces). All the caviar went to the bottom of the container and I had put some in each bottle along with a few small pieces of bean. I felt people would like it as they would be able to see the beans used and have some of the caviar while using the extract. After I had bottled everything I still had a decent amount of caviar left in the bottom of the container so I saved it in a small bottle for myself to use. Once again I feel I have been doing something right as I am not the only one with these thoughts!
Thank you so much for your process! Do you shake and do vacuum reseal or just shake?
Both! vacuum seal and shake
@@ClementFamilyFarms thank you so much! Love your vanilla extract technique
Thank you 😊do you have to put pods in the bottles because by then the pod is done extracting
No when I am done extracting you dont need the pods in the finished bottle. I only do it for looks.
I must have missed it what was your starting weight of beans for the 4 half-gallon jars, thank you for making these videos
I use 9oz of vanilla beans per Half gallon jars.
@@ClementFamilyFarms thank you
Thanks.
You're welcome
I have quart jars half full and 12 oz jars with 8 oz vodka, and I can’t seem to get the vacuum to work. My food saver is functioning, so how long should it take to vacuum seal jars not comp,Evelyn full?
Your food saver should have a automatic stop on it if it is working properly. Two things could be happening. 1 the lid you are using is the wrong type or has a bad seal on it. 2. The O ring seal on your food saver attachment might be installed wrong or backwards and can not seal properly. When your trying to vacuum seal you will hear the machine change pitch as it makes the seal and then it is only a few seconds and it is finished. You can check your machine to see if it working properly by plugging off the hose and start it. The machine should go right in to its cycle and shut off automatically with in a few seconds. If the machine is working properly then move on to the attachment. Try cleaning the seal on the inside of the attachment with soap and water and make sure to clean the inside of the attachment also. One grain of sugar can cause the attachment not to deal on the jar. The last thing is make sure you are using the metal canning lids with no rings just the lid. Ok I hope this helps and you figure it out and get it working again.
Hi Shane, what blender is that? I love the chopping attachment! Is that a universal attachment that will work on various blenders?
So I was not really into the hype of all the different blenders. I did a lot of reading on the Ninja and ended up getting one. I will say this has been the best blender I have ever had. I ended up getting the package deal and we use it all the time for making shakes and slushies. Plus it has the dough blade and setting and with the power this thing has it simple to whip a nice bread dough for dinner. Here is the link to the one I bought. amzn.to/2NY8ISg
Is it possible to leave or put in extra pods whole with the end clipped off so I can use use the inside for paste? Let those pods hang out out in the extract until I use it? As a baker we run through lots of vanilla and often like to add paste.
yes to all your questions. Are you using the paste for the visual effect in your baked goods? The reason why I ask I have worked with many bakers and want the seeds for visual because they still use the extract for flavoring. Even with my method you still can get the seeds out with a turkey baster or a long milk shake spoon. All the seeds are at the bottom and can be reached with either of those 2 methods and added to your baked goods. My next video coming out in a few days will show me bottling my extract and adding the seeds to each bottle. This gives each baker a choice to have seeds or not when pouring out the extract. If they want the seeds the can just shake the bottle before pouring it out and they get plenty of seeds. If they don't want seeds they don't shake the bottle before pouring. This just saves them a little time and labor when baking and give them the option. I know some gourmet baked goods are moisture sensitive so using a double or triple fold extract with paste might work better. Those are my thoughts
@@ClementFamilyFarms Thanks for the quick reply. I use paste in formulas that call for paste. It can be due to moisture, but often it is in conjuction with extract. Again, both items are usually the largest on the food cost sheet. Looking at trying this method out.
If you need vanilla beans check out my links in the description and use my coupon code for 10% off. I have been using this company a little over 3 years and have been really happy with them.
This is new for me…I’m just seeing your vanilla videos… now I’m binge watching all the steps…this is so kewl…my hubby doesn’t know it yet but this is going to be our new hobby to try…thank you so much for sharing…we from Louisiana
Welcome aboard! It is a wonderful hobby. I have made a few friends in Louisiana through the vanilla journey.
Question: why not blend the beans & alcohol at the beginning of the process? Have you tried it both ways? I'm thinking that you might get an even stringer brew if blended first, then using your usual vacuum seal process.
Also, have to tried using reusable lids like the Tattlers? Just wondering if you'd be able to vacuum seal those ones extra tight to increase extraction power / ratio.
Thanks very much in advance for answering.
I have not tried the reusable lids for vacuum sealing. I do enough canning i have tons of used lids that work perfectly for vacuum sealing.
As far as blending the beans at the start of the batch I have tested this a couple of times and really it is up to you it works both ways. But i have found if you let them soak for about a week or so the pods get softer and chop up better and less hard on my equipment. I do rough chop on my beans to were they are aprox 3/8 in size this helps on the straining side. Too fine of a chop the strainers get plugged faster and take more work.
What about using 50% coconut rum and using 50% sugarcane ethanol? What are your thoughts? Also using white rum instead of coconut rum. Or mixing 50% white rum with sugarcane ethanol. It was recommended to get the purest taste of each vanilla bean to use sugarcane ethanol. So I bought a case of 1 liter bottles. But I can see how the white rum or coconut rum would add a little sweetness to the vanilla. My first few small batches are only about 2.5 weeks into using the sugarcane ethanol or actually vodka. I wonder about adding 50% white rum or coconut rum with more beans to the sugarcane ethanol that I am already using. I know you can mix some of the white alcohols, so I was wondering since the white rum or coconut rum adds some sweetness if it would be ok to add 50% of one of the rums. What do you think about white rum that I already bought and mixing it with the sugarcane ethanol. I would love your honest opinion. I am a new vanilla extractor beginning for family. Would love your input!!!
I will be trying some sugarcane alcohol in the future. I have blended other alcohols in the past and really don't like them and keep going back to the coconut rum 70 proof.
I personally don't like the white rums as I feel they kinda give me a metal taste in my mouth and plain white rums will not add sweetness. The coconut rum will though.
The sugarcane alcohols I dont know much about and want to experiment with them a little bit. But I also need to taste them also to give and opinion on it. If you already have have white rum I would mix it with coconut rum to use it up. Your extract will be just fine. The biggest thing out of the alcohols is to get them down to 70 proof.
I am at 7 weeks and am thinking of chopping it up more for more extraction.It will still be ok even if I dont have a vacuum seal right? Im not bottling til late October.
yeah chop it you will be fine. As long as everything is under fluid your good.
Do I need to worry about testing if I'm shaking, vacuum sealing, grinding up the pods at 6 weeks, and then wait 4-5 months?
Testing just tells you when the bean pods are finished giving you extract. I test every batch because not every batch is the same. The vanilla beans act differently depending on the time of year and the grower. I have some finish extracting in as little as 3 months and some 7 months. Lately I have not had any go past 4 months using my method. If your doing everything consistently and waited 5 months you should be just fine with out testing. Ok I hope this helps.
That's very helpful, thank you!
Can you please provide a link for the 3 gallon clear containers you use. Thanks!
"Hey! It's the vanilla guy!" I love hearing that.
I might consider grinding some of the beans a bit now. Thanks for the idea.
Go for it!
Hi. I'm still trying to talk myself up to doing this process because I wanted to make some as Christmas gifts this year. Thank you for the info. Do you sell your extracts online?
My license only allows me to sell locally and not online yet.
I wanted to come back and give an update. The jar sealer was out of stock for a while and I finally got one. I started the process 2 weeks ago without out, but I'll vacuum seal them this week and try this process. I'm excited to see the results. Thank you for your very detailed videos!
@@fancynancy504 Oh thats great you finally got one. Yeah I am excited for you. Please let me know how you like it as the time goes on.
Have you tried making vanilla extract in an instant pot? Supposed to extract even faster. Your videos are great!
It is highly not recommended using the insta pot. Alcohol and pressure canning or cooking is dangerous.
I agree, I lost 2 large jars of vanilla and alcohol when the jars broke into thousands of tiny splinters and pieces of glass. Couldn't salvage anything not even beans as full of tiny glass splinters. Not worth the risk in my opinion.
Is it necessary to scrap there beans if you just add them back in?
I know it’s for show but you well still get settlement from the pod right?
No they are pretty much done at that point when I bottle. They may leach out a tiny bit more but after testing it a few times the little bit it gives out over 6 months doesn't change the flavor and not worth the time or effort.
Are your jar lids metal? If so, how do you keep from having a metallic taste? Someone said vanilla will have a metallic taste if a metal lid is used.
My lids are the metal canning lids but they are coated on the inside so there is no metal exposed at all.
@@ClementFamilyFarms thank you. I’ll locate coated lids and use those
Maybe I missed something (I didn't watch Part 2) but I thought you only used vodka (Part 1) yet in this video you're talking as if you used cocoanut rum?
I primarily use the CM coconut rum and used it in this video. I do also use New Amsterdam vodka and probably mentioned it.
I live in San Diego and can’t find Captain Morgan Rum anywhere! I was told at Bev Mo, when they checked in the computer, the company is no longer making this variety. Can you suggest something comparable? (I’ve heard Malibu Coconut rum is cloyingly sweet.)
I meant my previous comment to say I can’t find Captain Morgan “Coconut Rum,” anywhere, in person or online. Apparently it’s no longer being manufactured. What would be a comparable item?
Malibu rum doesnt have the right % of alcohol to make extract. So the captain Morgan Patriot bay rums are not being sold in California anymore so some reason this is true. They are still selling the smaller 750 ml bottles at Albertsons and Walmart fresh markets. If they dont have it on the shelf ask the front desk to order you some and they will. I order all mine from the front desk at Albertsons and surprisingly enough they are the cheapest around. My second top pick alcohol is New Amsterdam vodka its smooth and makes a really good extract with any other flavors added to it. I hope this helps thank you
@@donnanapolitan2796 I just ordered Cpt Morgan Coconut Rum from Total Wine and More in Rancho Cucamonga.
I Love your videos. They break it down for a new vanilla extract dummie.
What size sieve are you using to strain the extract the first time to remove large pieces and the second time to catch the seeds only? I have a bunch of small pieces of husk and membrane that need to be removed but I want all the seeds.
So I run everything through a fine mesh strainer like the ones I will link here. amzn.to/336vQpm
The seeds usually past through these strainers but some will be held up in it but just run your fluid over the top of it again to flush them through.
Once I do that then I use a a Stainless steel coffee filter and I will link it below also. amzn.to/34pzQBW
Would the handheld food saver vacuum sealer work on the lids?
I personal never used the handle held one. But if it was made to vacuum seal jar lids I dont see why not.
It's what I use and it's works wonderfully
Can you reuse the vanilla pods for a second batch of extract
You can not make a second batch of extract from already used beans. If your really making a completely finished extract your vanilla beans are spent and no longer good for extract. There are people saying you can get a second extract out of them this is simply not true. It is the same reason we do not use coffee grounds or tea bags twice.
The wood wall behind you is Beautiful!! What type of wood is that?
Thank you. The wood background is a printed canvas.
I am going to do a basic Q&A video on Vanilla extract is there any questions or information you would like to see on that video?
@@ClementFamilyFarms thx for responding! Really appreciate your straightforward methods, especially after joining a couple of fb groups. (Lots of static from the newer than mes😏). I think you've covered all the questions!
THIS is perfect
Thank you
Why not chop when you first put the pods into the alcohol? More surface area should increase extraction speed!
Yeah you absolutely can chop them before putting the in. The only reason I don't is because i want them to soak up some of the fluid first. This helps the outer skin soften and easier on the machine to do a rough chop on them. Plus I think it does a better job at beating up the outer skin with out having to chop it up really fine.
What type of pods do you like.
Madagascar beans is what I buy now. I think they have a better flavor in my opinion.
I am going to do a basic Q&A video on Vanilla extract is there any questions or information you would like to see on that video?
Why don't you use vanilla rum?
Usually vanilla added to alcohols for flavoring is artificial. Sometimes those artificial flavorings will give off a hint chemical taste and I don't want that for my extracts.
How can we order from you??
Awesome tutorials. I watched all 3 videos and wondered since you started with a presoak, opened up the pods with blade then on week 7 chopped in blender, since presoaked why not chop them then after slicing in half and scooping out caviar. Thanks for your videos.
I was wondering the same thing. Why not start out with chopping them at the beginning of the batch?
So in part 1 of my video I did have the vanilla beans in a presoak because i had them in storage for a few months. That is only because when my shipment came in and I was scheduled for surgery and had to store the beans for a month or so. It was a great opportunity to make a storing vanilla video also. Yes your right I could have done a chop on them in the first video but I wanted to start my vanilla series like I got my vanilla shipment fresh. My normal shipments I just split, scrap and add to jars and let them soak for about 6 weeks before chopping. The reason why I wait is to allow the beans to swell up a little and get a little loose. Then when I do the rough chop it beats the beans up a little better. Ok I hope this clears things up a little bit. I love it when people are paying attention that is great. Thank you
I commented below. Thank you
We're did you get your viles for testing the bean pods?
I hate to say it but they are urine sample tubes for animals. When you live on a ranch and your good friends are Veterinarians and your partner is a Vet tech supervisor I tend to be resourceful sometimes. Sense they are brand new they are sterilized and clean. But you can find something similar on amazon. I have these ones in my cart for another project. Check them out. amzn.to/3E5CKbP
Man I love you bro! You crack me up. This country girl would of done the same thing.
PS Your a really good dad!
Thank you I try to be a good dad.
Aww I love you too. I do like making people laugh. If your on Facebook send me friend request I am always posting dumb stuff. Hahaha
Another great video Shane!!!!
Thank you.
Great video! I love the info 🥰 and I love vanilla 🍦
Thank you! 🤗
Thank you so much. So well explained and demonstrated... I'm impressed.
You are so welcome!
My way of speeding up my extract is I have a uncle who's a truck driver and drives coast to coast and he keeps two half-full gallons of my extract in his truck sleeper and they slosh back and forward while he's driving cross country.
Oh that is great.
Thank you for sharing another great video!!
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for sharing your methods! Great videos 👍
My pleasure!
Wow, great tip on the quick blend 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
How do i order a bottle
My license only allows for me to sell locally. I hope someday to offer it out to everyone else.
Seems very long winded
i like to know how many beans per half gallon
9oz of vanilla beans per half gallon is what I use. You have to go by weight and not by how many. They very in sizes so it is best to weight them out.
@@ClementFamilyFarms thank you very much
if I can give a little constructive criticism it's that you repeat a bit too much, making the video longer than need be, but I love your stuff non the less so don't take it too heavy :)
a tip i hear from other video makers is to write down what you will say, but i can't say how or anything more, just something i've heard before :)
Thank you very much for your input and your honesty. I appreciate that more then people just saying negative comments with no help to make it better. This is all new to me and I am doing everything all by myself along with my daily chores. I do repeat my self and try to take out that when editing but sometimes I miss it even after staring at it for hours. I tried writing it down but I am dyslexic and cant even read my own writing. The first videos 8 hours of video I shot never made it public it was so horrible. I never knew how hard this would be but each of my videos I think are getting better I hope. With out people like you I don't know what to improve on Thank you again.
@@ClementFamilyFarms Yes they are definitely getting better!
I am also dyslectic and I understand the same issues in life, if I would have a go at this I would definitely advice to write it on the computer if that helps.
On top of that... the novelty of unscripted videos is also something people enjoy and it keeps them ''real'' so I would also want to be wary not to make a too scripted video... don't try too hard to be too perfect, you know... it's a balance I think you have to find once you go that route.
So please again, don't take any of this too heavy, your info is solid and in the end that's all that counts so keep it up!
I was wondering if I could hear up the rum a bit to release the alcohol content. Would it alter the effectiveness of the vanilla processing
the glorious the beard's gone :
Well what color would you like to see? I have only been changing colors because of my daughter being cooped up and I am trying to help her get through these isolated times. I have been helping her dye her hair and then she helps me.
call me a karen, but I was told If your extract still tastes of alcohol, Wait a bit longer; give it at least another month or so before calling it. If the alcohol flavor still dominates the flavor of the vanilla after four months, do some troubleshooting. Option one is to just wait it out. More time will result in a stronger flavor, or To speed up the process, I could always add another vanilla bean pod or two split
Thank you for your honesty it is more than welcomed! I have been making extract little over 28 years and every batch comes out a little different each time. I did mention in my part 4 video it did have a little bite to it still. But the vanilla is strong and that's is this most important thing. One of the reasons I use the 70 proof alcohol is because you have a better chance of taking the bite out but it doesn't always happen. The only place your going to taste the alcohol bite is if your tasting it straight from the bottle. You will never taste it if your mixing drinks or baking with it. Alcohol burns off at 170-190 degrees so if your using in baking it all gone by the time your baked goods are done. You could add more beans to your bottle but it doesn't mean it will take the alcohol bite out or speed up the process. There is no real right answer to this like I have stated in my process before I keep my recipe, alcohol types and process the same and I still get slight varying results each time. The only thing that changes is the Vanilla beans time of year, how they are grown, harvested and dried for shipments. So many factors no real good answers.
I just subscribed today