If you've ever followed a baking recipe for a dessert or pastry, you've likely seen vanilla beans or vanilla extract as an ingredient. Vanilla is a pantry staple for bakers and non-bakers alike, but what is the difference between using beans and extract? Consider the guide below to learn the difference and how to use them to make foods extra tasty.

What's the Difference Between Vanilla Beans & Vanilla Extract?

Vanilla beans are long, waxy fruit pods from the vanilla plant, a type of orchid. The dark brown pods contain many tiny seeds packed with a robust flavor. The seeds are commonly used to enhance desserts. The best options should have a strong aroma and be soft, plump, and moist. 

Most cooks use vanilla extract instead of beans because it's cheaper and readily available. Extract makers produce the potent liquid by steeping many beans in vodka or other liqueurs to draw the intense flavor of vanilla into the liquid. When purchasing vanilla extract, be sure the product is pure vanilla extract. Otherwise, the flavor will be weak, and its aroma won't carry throughout the desserts you prepare.

How Do You Bake With the Two Ingredients?

If a recipe calls for vanilla beans, you'll need to extract the seeds from the pod. To do so, you should slice the pod lengthwise. Then, use the back of your knife to scrape out the seeds and add them to your other ingredients. 

The best way to use vanilla extract is to add at least one teaspoon to custard and batter before baking. Depending on how much flavor you want to impart to the dish, you can add more of the ingredient until the intensity reaches your liking.

What Are the Best Desserts Using Vanilla Beans & Extract?

Vanilla beans are perfect for dishes that need a dominant, yet clean vanilla flavoring. For instance, you can use the beans in puddings, custards, whipped cream, cakes, and donuts. Though vanilla extract is also full of flavor, it works best recipes with more subtle flavor profiles, such as cookies, plain yogurt, pancakes, frosting, and rice pudding. 

For delicious, high-quality vanilla beans, consider visiting Laie Vanilla Company. Located in Laie, HI, this company is the sole vanilla farm on Oahu and consists of over 800 vanilla orchid vines. This single-acre farm uses natural fertilizers to ensure that the beans and extracts it produces are as natural as possible, making them the perfect choice for baking. Place an order online today by visiting their website, or call (808) 209-3354 for more information.