How to split and scrape a vanilla bean to remove the seeds

Cut the bean in half crosswise, split it lengthwise while keeping the tip connected, then scrape out the seeds with the back of a paring knife.

From MahaloBakingWatch this bit

vanilla bean

paring knife

Use a paring knife to cut the vanilla bean in half widthwise. Carefully split each piece down the center lengthwise, keeping the tapered end connected, then use the back of the knife to scrape the seeds out into a cup.

The short version

Keep the tapered end intact while splitting.
Scrape with the back of the knife to remove seeds.

What you need

paring knifeUsed for splitting and scraping (use the back of the blade to scrape).
small cup
optional
To collect the scraped seeds.

How to do it

1
Cut the vanilla bean in half widthwise (crosswise) with a paring knife.
This makes the pod easier to handle.
Watch this step
2
Split each piece down the center lengthwise with the paring knife, keeping the tapered end connected.
Don’t cut all the way through the tip; leave it attached.
Watch this step
3
Use the back of the knife to scrape the seeds out of the opened pod into a small cup.
Scrape gently; you should see seeds sticking to the knife as you go.
Watch this step

What goes wrong

Cutting the tapered end completely off while splitting

Leave the end connected to help control the pod while scraping.

Using the sharp edge to scrape and tearing the pod

Use the back of the knife to scrape the seeds out.

Why it works

Keeping the tapered end intact helps hold the pod together while you open it, and scraping with the back of the blade helps lift seeds without shredding the pod.