Vanilla Beans!

[KristiB]

The Organic Vanilla Bean company has some odf the best prices i've ever seen. And the service is quick and the quality is great! I've even made my own extract!

http://www.organic-vanilla.com/servlet/StoreFront

[maggiehc]

I bought their Tahitian beans and they were awesome! 

They were so much more flavorful and plumper than the beans you can find at the local spice shops and Whole Foods.
And they were shipped very quickly.

[mehgan]

Well, I've already got some in stock at home, but I'll definitely have to keep this in mind so that I can stock up before we move to Alaska in July.

[toontz]

Put in my order yesterday...I can’t wait to make my own extract!

[ntsc]

http://evilchefmom.blogspot.com/2008/05/homemade-vanilla-extract.html

Is a blog entry on home made vanilla extract.

[fitnfree]

Wow, thanks for the reference - been wanting to make my own vanilla extract but was uncertain about buying vanilla beans. I like getting personal recommendations because let's face it, it's difficult to know who to believe from manufacturers and retailers 'cuz naturally they ALL want you to buy their product.   


ntsc, thanks for the link to your blog post on making your own. I have one recipe to do this, but would like to try a couple ways. I totally agree with you on the exhorbitant price of vanilla. That's why I'm looking to make my own, too. 

[Teresa]

ntsc, thanks for the link.  I use a lot of vanilla and it can get expensive.  I don't like to use the cheaper off brand.  But this is great!  I imagine the taste will be quite intense.  I've got some left over vanilla vodka that I can use.  I'll run up to the World Market and pick up some vanilla beans.  Thanks again.   

[Drew Kime]

Ooh, the prices get much better as the quantity goes up. Anyone know if vanilla beans freeze well? How long they can be stored?

[Foodycat]

I've had beans happily sitting in my sugar pot for 2 years and still smell fragrant. I pull one out from time to time if I am making custard.

[ntsc]

Wow, thanks for the reference - been wanting to make my own vanilla extract but was uncertain about buying vanilla beans. I like getting personal recommendations because let's face it, it's difficult to know who to believe from manufacturers and retailers 'cuz naturally they ALL want you to buy their product.   


ntsc, thanks for the link to your blog post on making your own. I have one recipe to do this, but would like to try a couple ways. I totally agree with you on the exhorbitant price of vanilla. That's why I'm looking to make my own, too. 

That blog on making your own is not mine, but Evil Chef Mom.

I've yet to be unhappy with anything purchased from Penzy's http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzeys/shophome.html either in a store or by mail-order. On mail order they often through in a bonus spice.

[luv2cook]

I love this company!!!!!!!! The beans i get are amazing. On there site it says if stored in a cool dark spot like a pantry it will last almost forever! I noticed to the more you get the cheaper it is and I think next time i will go for the gusto as i use 2-5 a week

[SavoryTv]

Thanks for the tip!  I've been frustrated in the past with beans lacking flavor!

[recipesbysam]

We don't get vanilla beans here in Chennai, India I guess....never come across them in any store....so have to make do with store bought vanilla extract