Question 1

Can I use vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can use vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract. However, because the paste has a more intense flavor than the extract, you might want to use less. A good rule of thumb is to use 1 tablespoon of vanilla bean paste for every 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract in recipes.

Question 2

What is the difference between vanilla extract and vanilla bean paste?

Accepted Answer

Vanilla extract is a liquid derived from soaking vanilla beans in alcohol and water, while vanilla bean paste is a thicker substance made from the seeds and pods of the vanilla bean combined with a sugar syrup. The paste is more intense in flavor and has the characteristic specks of vanilla seeds.

Question 3

Why is vanilla bean paste so thick?

Accepted Answer

Vanilla bean paste is thick because it's made using the whole vanilla bean, not just the seeds but the pulp and pod as well, which are mixed with a sugar syrup. The syrup gives the paste its thickness and also helps to bring out the flavor of the vanilla bean.

Question 4

Is vanilla bean paste stronger than vanilla extract?

Accepted Answer

Yes, vanilla bean paste tends to have a stronger, more robust flavor compared to vanilla extract. This is because the paste also contains the pulp and pods of the vanilla bean, unlike extract, which just uses the seeds.

Question 5

How can I measure vanilla bean paste without wasting?

Accepted Answer

Vanilla bean paste is sticky and can be messy to measure out. One way to avoid waste is to use a silicone or rubber spatula to get the paste out of the jar and scrape it off into your mixing bowl. A dry measuring spoon can also be used.

Question 6

Do I need to adjust my recipe if I'm using vanilla bean paste instead of extract?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you may need to adjust your recipe slightly as the intense flavor of vanilla bean paste might affect the final result. A general guide is to use slightly less paste than the extract called for in the recipe.

Question 7

Why does vanilla bean paste have black specks?

Accepted Answer

The black specks in vanilla bean paste are actually the seeds of the vanilla bean. These seeds are small and numerous, giving the paste a speckled look. The seeds are perfectly edible and add a gourmet touch to recipes.

Question 8

Can vanilla bean paste be used in cold desserts?

Accepted Answer

Yes, vanilla bean paste can be used in cold desserts. In fact, it adds an extra gourmet touch to dishes like ice creams, custards, and yogurts because of the visible vanilla seeds.

Question 9

Is Vanilla Bean Paste alcoholic?

Accepted Answer

Vanilla bean paste is usually non-alcoholic. It’s created by mixing vanilla beans with a thick syrup. However, always check the ingredients or the label as some might contain a small amount of alcohol.

Question 10

What desserts are best to show off the specks in Vanilla Bean Paste?

Accepted Answer

Desserts with a lighter colour are ideal if you want the specks from the paste to be visible. Ice-cream, panna cotta, vanilla frosting, creme brulee, and white chocolate truffles are all desserts that highlight the specks well.

Question 11

When does vanilla bean paste expire?

Accepted Answer

Unopened: Most brands of vanilla bean paste can remain fresh and flavorful for about 2-3 years if kept unopened. However, it's always best to check the 'best before' date on the packaging. It doesn't necessarily mean the paste has expired, but the taste may not be as potent.

Opened: After opening, it's best to use the paste within 6 months to 1 year for optimal flavor. It may not spoil for a while longer, but the flavor can gradually diminish.

Frozen: While freezing isn't always recommended for vanilla bean paste due to potential changes in consistency, if you do freeze it, it can extend its life for up to a year.

Question 12

How do you tell if vanilla bean paste is bad?

Accepted Answer

Vanilla bean paste will start to lose its strong vanilla scent when it's past its best, and it might also lose some of its rich, deep color. If it's gone bad, you may notice mold or a funky, off-smell. Also, if there are any changes in the texture such as it becoming too runny or lumpy, it's potential signs that it has gone bad.

Question 13

Tips for storing vanilla bean paste to extend shelf life

Accepted Answer

• Store in a cool, dark, dry place like a pantry or a cabinet away from the stove or oven.

• Always tightly seal the jar after every use to prevent exposure to air and moisture.

• It's crucial to use clean, dry spoons when scooping out the paste from the jar to prevent introducing any bacteria into it.

• If you decided to freeze it, portion it out in an ice cube tray. This way, you can easily pop out and thaw the amount you need for your recipe, preventing unnecessary thaw and refreeze cycles of the entire paste.

Question 14

Analysis of vanilla bean paste

Accepted Answer

Vanilla bean paste is a versatile ingredient often used as an alternative to vanilla essence or whole vanilla beans. Its rich flavour and gourmet visual appeal make it popular among cooks and bakers. Unlike vanilla extract, it doesn't contribute excess liquid to recipes, ensuring that the consistency is unaffected. However, it can be quite sticky and drippy, making it a bit tricky for first-time users. To get the most out of using vanilla bean paste, make sure to measure it using a dry spoon or spatula to avoid waste. If your recipe calls for vanilla extract and you want to use paste instead, remember that vanilla paste is stronger, so you might want to use a bit less than the amount of extract suggested.

Vanilla Bean Paste

THE APP

RECIPES

PRODUCTS

THE COMPANY

PRIVACY

|

terms