Does Pure Vanilla From Mexico Go Bad?

The shelf life of Mexican vanilla extract depends on it’s quality. High quality Mexican vanilla extract will last up to 10 years but cheap Mexican vanilla extract may only retain it’s flavor for up to 2 years.

Does pure Mexican vanilla expire?

Mexican Pure Vanilla Extract is made from premium, hand-selected beans cultivated in Mexico, the original birthplace of the vanilla plant. Our proprietary cold extraction process gently draws out and preserves the vanilla’s more than 300 flavor compounds, resulting in one of the world’s most exceptional vanillas.

How do you know if Mexican vanilla is safe?

Consumers should be cautious when buying vanilla in Mexico and other Latin American countries, the FDA advised. Look for “vanilla bean” on the label’s ingredient list. Don’t buy the product if it says “tonka bean” or has a vague ingredient list or no list.

How do you store Mexican vanilla?

How To Store Vanilla Extract. The way you store vanilla extract is the same for both pure extract and the imitation. You should keep it in a cool and dark place (light can affect it), away from sources of heat. The pantry or a kitchen cupboard away from the oven are the best options.

How do you know if vanilla extract is bad?

If vanilla extract has gone bad, the pleasant aroma will be gone and with it much of the vanilla flavor. You may also see some sediment in the bottom of the bottle and the vanilla extract may appear cloudy. You can still use it, but the vanilla extract will not have as much flavor.

Is vanilla from Mexico real vanilla?

Mexican vanilla that is produced by a reputable American company is pure vanilla extract made from Mexican beans. Unfortunately, some specialty food stores carry Mexican vanilla made in Mexico. While it is possible that it is pure vanilla, the chances are more than 99% that it is not pure.

Is Mexican vanilla different than regular vanilla?

According to US FDA regulations, in order to be labeled “pure” a vanilla extract must have 35% alcohol (FDA 21CFR169. 3). Our Pure Mexican vanilla contains this higher 35% alcohol content, and is therefore best utilized in those items which require high heat, such as baking. This allows much of the alcohol to cook out.

How is Mexican vanilla different than regular vanilla?

According to US FDA regulations, in order to be labeled “pure” a vanilla extract must have 35% alcohol (FDA 21CFR169. 3). Our Pure Mexican vanilla contains this higher 35% alcohol content, and is therefore best utilized in those items which require high heat, such as baking. This allows much of the alcohol to cook out.

What should I look for when buying vanilla in Mexico?

Look for amber-colored vanilla. Real vanilla is not clear, so despite what the label might say, if it’s clear, it’s not real vanilla–it’s synthetic. True vanilla is amber colored. Synthetics tend to be very dark either from the coal tar from which they are produced or from caramel and red food colorings.

Is it OK to use expired vanilla extract?

For vanilla extract imitation, it comes with a best-by date on the label, and its shelf life is usually between 2 to 4 years. Past that date, the solution won’t become unsafe to use, but its overall quality (taste, fragrance) will start to drop.

Is 20 year old vanilla still good?

In a Nutshell Unless you keep the bottle or vial of vanilla extract unsealed, it probably won’t go bad. Vanilla extract imitation will retain quality (or most of it) for a couple of months, maybe even years past its date. Pure vanilla extract lasts years, and many sources say it can pretty much last indefinitely.

Should you keep vanilla extract in the fridge?

Not only does it not need refrigeration, but vanilla extract should never be refrigerated, even after opening it. Refrigerated air is too cold for the extract, and it will become cloudy. These same guidelines apply to both pure and imitation vanilla extracts.

Why is vanilla extract so cheap in Mexico?

Artificial vanilla extract is affordable, and is the vanilla extract predominantly sold in countries that produce vanilla beans. This is the paradox of vanilla’s hand-crafted production. That’s why in Mexico, even though the country grows very fine beans, artificial vanillas dominate the market.

What is so special about Mexican vanilla?

Vanilla plants in Mexico are unique because they are the only vanilla plants that can be naturally pollinated, a process that is needed if beans are to be produced. The flowers can only be pollinated by a specific variety of bee called Melipona bees.

Is Mexican vanilla better than regular vanilla?

Mexican vanilla is cheaper, has a strong flavor, and it has ‘FDA Approved’ on the label so I know it’s not that stuff that tourists buy,” or, “I get vanilla made in Mexico from a local distributor or online. Its 2 or 4 times stronger and cheaper than other vanillas.

What is the difference between pure vanilla extract and vanilla extract?

Pure vanilla extract is made from whole vanilla beans extracted using 35%+ alcohol – that’s it! Don’t be fooled by extracts that claim to be pure; imitation and clear vanilla utilizes artificial flavors and harmful chemicals.

Why does my vanilla extract taste like alcohol?

I chopped the vanilla beans, but the extract only has a slight taste of vanilla. Editor: If your extract still tastes of alcohol, that shouldn’t be of too much concern — especially given you’re still on the short end of the steeping time. Wait a bit longer; give it at least another month before calling it.

Should vanilla extract be refrigerated?

Ensuring Proper Vanilla Extract Storage Not only does it not need refrigeration, but vanilla extract should never be refrigerated, even after opening it. Refrigerated air is too cold for the extract, and it will become cloudy. These same guidelines apply to both pure and imitation vanilla extracts.

Is there a difference between Mexican vanilla and regular vanilla?

The Traditional Mexican vanilla can be used for anything that calls for vanilla; anything from french toast, smoothies, homemade ice cream, whip cream, cookies, cakes, oatmeal, etc, etc. The primary difference between the Traditional and the Pure is the amount of alcohol in the vanilla.

Can you bring back vanilla from Mexico?

If you pack this vanilla in your checked luggage, it is totally not an issue – but I’d suggest you consider double bagging them securely in ziplock bags, just in case they leak.

What country produces the best vanilla extract?

Madagascar
Madagascar is known for producing the highest quality vanilla. Not only is the aroma intense, the flavor profile goes well in food dishes, brewing or for beer, desserts, vanilla extract, and many other possibilities. Most recognize the Madagascar vanilla is the most popular due to these traits.