Vanilla Pompona Bean Extract

[vmijct]

I have at least 20 vanilla pompona vanilla beans from this year. Does any one know if you can make vanilla extract from them. articles on the internet disagree on this. It seems they are mostly used for perfume/tobacco but is it ok to use them for vanilla extract and where can I go to see the article. I currently have 3 of them in a mason jar soaking in kettle one vodka. Hope I didn't waste the kettle one.

[RobS]

A fermentation step seems to be neccesary so the answer would be no. Don't know if they release any flavour without fermentation at all.

[vmijct]

They have already fermented and are black/thin but not dessicated, like the beans in the store. When I open the jar I keep them in there is a prune/vanilla scent. That step is complete. I was just reading on line today about what type of alcohol to use, etc, when I read they were usually used for other uses. See initial comment

[vmijct]

Here is the end result. It's taken almost a year from pollination to curing. Am giving some as Christmas presents.

[gnathaniel]

Cool! How does the vodka taste?

--Nat

[dendro photo]

i think extract is made from vanilla planiflora but i could be wrong

[vmijct]

Commercial extract is made from vanilla planifolia, that is true. But you can also use these smaller pompona beans that contain a smaller percentage of vanillin. You could actually see it crystalize on the bean during the initial phase of the curing process.

---------- Post added at 08:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:53 PM ----------

The beans need to marinate 1-2 months before the extract is ready. These have only been sitting for about 2-3 weeks. Tastes like mostly vodka right now. Faint vanilla smell.