Posted by Singing Dog Vanilla / Blog / 0Comments
One of the most common questions that we get asked is, “How do I store my vanilla beans?” It’s an excellent question because vanilla is a valuable spice, and if you’re baking with vanilla beans, you’ll want to get the most out of them, so it is essential to store them properly to avoid mold […]
One of the most common questions that we get asked is, “How do I store my vanilla beans?” It’s an excellent question because vanilla is a valuable spice, and if you’re baking with vanilla beans, you’ll want to get the most out of them, so it is essential to store them properly to avoid mold and keep them from drying out.
By reading this blog, you will learn how to store vanilla beans properly and some valuable tips for using or reviving your beans if they dry out. If you want to know what vanilla beans are best for you, read our other blog post about vanilla beans for beginners.
This post will talk about the following;
- Unpacking your Singing Dog Vanilla Beans
- How to store vanilla beans
- Where to store vanilla beans
- The temperature to store vanilla beans at
- Letting vanilla beans air out
- How long do vanilla beans last
- What to do if your vanilla beans do dry out
Unpacking
Your Singing Dog Vanilla beans will come in a vacuum-sealed bag. We recommend keeping them sealed inside the package until you are ready to use the beans. This airtight packaging will keep your beans fresh, plump, and pliable for around 1 year if stored properly.
How to Store Vanilla Beans
You want to avoid exposing vanilla beans to air and moisture. Keeping the beans in the original packaging is the best way to keep them fresh, but once you open the packaging, you will want to store them properly to avoid moldy or dried-out beans. Here’s what you’ll need to keep vanilla beans fresh:
- Airtight containers like a glass jar or Tupperware.
- Wax paper or plastic wrap.
Wrap your vanilla beans in wax paper or plastic wrap, then place them in your airtight container. Make sure to get as much air out as possible. A plastic container will work. However, for best results, use glass. Plastic might absorb some of the flavor and aroma of vanilla beans, so the glass is recommended.
Where to Store Vanilla Beans
After getting your vanilla beans wrapped in wax paper and stored in an airtight container, you will want to find a cool, dark place to keep them. We recommend a pantry, kitchen cupboard, or basement. Do NOT store vanilla beans in the refrigerator or freezer. If you store vanilla beans in the fridge, you risk them drying out, losing flavor & quality, and growing mold. Freezing your vanilla beans can cause vanillin (the primary flavor compound in vanilla) to migrate to the surface and get lost during handling.
Temperature
When storing your vanilla beans, you’ll want to keep them in a cool and dark place and at a temperature between 65-85°F (about 18-29 °C).
Airing out Vanilla Beans
You’ll want to take your vanilla beans out of their airtight container and let them “breath” every 1-2 months. This will help keep them fresher for longer. You don’t want your beans to “sweat” because this can lead to moldy beans. It’s also worth noting that you shouldn’t use a vented container. You want to store vanilla beans in an airtight container until you are ready to use them in a recipe.
How Long Do Vanilla Beans Last?
Following the guidelines above will get the longest lifespan out of your vanilla beans. In most cases, your vanilla bean will stay fresh for a year or more. Keep your beans in the original packaging until they are ready to be used. Then wrap the rest in wax paper, and transfer them to an airtight container. We recommend buying vanilla beans in quantities that you will use within 6-8 months of purchasing. Our vanilla beans can be purchased in various amounts listed below. You can also shop at our Amazon store for free Prime shipping.
What should I do if My Vanilla Beans Dry Out?
A dried-out vanilla bean doesn’t mean it’s unusable. There are plenty of ways to use your vanilla beans if they dry out, including making vanilla sugar or vanilla coffee. You can also use the dried-out bean in recipes that call for steeping, like poached fruit, ice cream base, or homemade vanilla syrup. Dried vanilla bean can also be used to make vanilla extract. Outside baking, you can also use a dried vanilla bean to make vanilla-infused bath salts or body butter.
To restore your dried-out vanilla bean and make it useable in recipes, you can soak it in warm water for around 10-15 minutes. Watch the video below to learn more about using a dried vanilla bean.
This should cover everything you need to know about how to store vanilla beans, to recap quickly.
- Keep your vanilla beans in the original packaging until you’re ready to use them.
- Wrap the bean in wax paper, place them in an airtight container and store them in a cool, dry place.
- Do NOT put vanilla beans in the fridge or freezer.
- It would be best if you kept your vanilla beans between 60-85°F/18-29°C.
- Let your vanilla beans breathe every 1-2 months by removing them from the container.
- Your vanilla beans should stay fresh for a year or more, but for best results, buy vanilla beans in quantities that you can use within 6-8 months.
- You can restore a dried-out vanilla bean by soaking it in warm water.
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