Explore our vanilla blog, tips, and discoveries about Madagascar vanilla

 

The method for storing vanilla :

 

 

As a professional in the food or pastry industry, effectively storing large quantities of vanilla is crucial. Here is a guide to help preserve the quality of your vanilla beans.

 

Required Equipment 📦

 

For optimal storage, you will need:

 

  1. Airtight glass jars or aluminum containers to protect your beans from air and UV light.
  2. Vacuum-sealed packaging to eliminate oxygen and preserve the aromas.

 

Storage Techniques 💡

 

1. Airtight Jar

 

 

Use a glass or aluminum jar. Make sure it is as small as possible to minimize the amount of air inside.

Airtight sealing: This prevents moisture and oxygen from entering.

 

2. Vacuum Sealing

 

  

 

Use plastic wrap or vacuum packaging to remove the air and prevent oxidation.

 

4. Immersion in Alcohol 🍸

 

 

A small amount of white alcohol enhances the fragrance and prolongs storage.

Advantage: Ideal for developing complex aromas through maceration.

 

🌡️ Storage in a Controlled Environment

 

Temperature: Between 15°C and 20°C (avoid sudden fluctuations).

Humidity: Maintain a relative humidity of 60-70% to prevent drying out.

 

 

Precautions 🚫

 

Avoid cork stoppers as they promote mold growth.

Do not store in the refrigerator to prevent moisture and cold exposure.

 

🌿 Vanilla Storage: Why Avoid Freezing?

 

Freezing vanilla beans, although sometimes used by professionals, is not recommended to preserve their aromatic and physical qualities. Here are the key reasons and optimal alternatives from LA SAVEUR VANILLE.

 

❄️ Why freezing is problematic for vanilla beans?

 

1.Degradation of aromatic molecules

 

Intense cold alters volatile compounds such as vanillin, vanillic acid, and vanillic alcohol, reducing the complexity of the aromas.

 

2.Loss of Flexibility

 

Frozen vanilla beans become brittle and lose their flexibility, making them harder to use in cooking.

 

3. Halt in Flavor Development


Freezing stops the maturation of the flavors, which is essential for high-quality vanilla. The aging process, which enhances the complexity and depth of the vanilla’s aroma, is disrupted, leading to a less flavorful product.

 

Creative Directions

 

🔹 Create Vanilla Extract: Macerate used vanilla beans in alcohol to create an intense vanilla extract, perfect for culinary creations.
🔹 Use Dry Beans: Reuse dried vanilla beans in a sauce or dessert to enhance their flavors.

🔹 Homemade Vanilla Sugar: Blend dried vanilla beans with powdered sugar for a slow infusion.
🔹 Flavored Oil: Macerate split vanilla beans in neutral oil (e.g., sunflower) for 1 month to create a fragrant oil.