Techniques
Prep
Tip
Beginner
under a minute

Shake homemade vanilla extract every couple of days while it steeps

Seal the bottle and shake it every couple of days to help the vanilla infuse.

After assembling, she recommends periodic shaking during the steeping period. This redistributes the vanilla and helps extraction along.

The short version

  • Shake the bottle every couple of days.

What goes wrong

Letting it sit untouched the whole time

Give it a shake every couple of days as it steeps.

Why it works

Agitation increases contact between alcohol and the exposed vanilla interior, encouraging more even extraction.

Put it to use

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