Vanilla Extract vs. Vanilla FlavoringPure vanilla extract is a concentrated liquid form of the spice that is made by brewing vanilla beans with ethyl alcohol and water -- similar to the process for making coffee. Vanilla beans are one of the most expensive spices, grown on flowering orchid vines primarily in the Madagascar, Tahiti and Mexico. They are labor intensive to grow, process, and ship, even before they are converted to extract. On the other hand imitation vanilla or vanilla flavoring is typically a byproduct of paper production or a derivative of coal tar, chemically manufactured through fairly simple and inexpensive processes (hmmm doesn't that sounds delicious).Besides the major differences in flavor the biggest difference between pure vanilla extract and imitation or "fake" vanilla involves the amount of alcohol used in production. In order for a vanilla extract to be called pure, FDA guidelines require that the solution contains a minimum 35% of alcohol and 100g of vanilla beans per litre (or 13.35 ounces per gallon).How It's MadeOur single fold pure vanilla extract is the Madagascar Bourbon Island variety and has a deep creamy flavor with sweet undertones. Our supplier uses vanilla bean "splits" in this single fold extract. Splits are vanilla bean pods that the farmers leave on the vines to fully mature for several weeks after the typical vanilla bean harvest time. The result is a fuller body with a spectacular after taste.The most common form of vanilla used today is vanilla extract. Bourbon vanilla is named for the period when the Reunion islands were ruled by the Bourbon kings of France and contrary to some vanilla extract legends does not contain Bourbon whiskey.What's in ItOur Pure Vanilla Extract contains water, alcohol, sugar and vanilla bean extractives.Helpful HintsOne tablespoon of pure vanilla extract is equivalent to one vanilla bean.Pure Vanilla Extract should be stored in a cool, dark place like your pantry or cupboard. This will keep it protected from excessive heat, light or sun which causes the vanilla to break down and lose it potency. You should also be sure not to store it above the stove or oven. And finally Extracts and vanilla beans should not be refrigerated.If you prefer whole vanilla beans we also carry Bourbon Vanilla Beans from Madagascar. And if you are looking for some recipes using Pure Vanilla Extract give these a try - Healthy Carrot Cake Squares, Jazzy Rice Pudding, Baked Oatmeal and Cardamom Spice Cake.