The Vanilla Extract Mother Jar - How to Start Yours - by VanillaPura

[@JuJuCrafts]

Love the idea of a Mother Jar-- mine will be called GERTRUDE -- Made some "spiced vanilla" using Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum and it set for over 2 years with me adding double the normal beans-and added a few more the 2nd year- used it to make some truffles and my brother-in-law did a little dance when he bit into one-- he loves to cook so a little decorative bottle for Christmas granted a happy BIL. (Your video just popped up on my feed in Nov 2023- glad to have found you)

[@VanillaPura]

That sounds WONDERFUL!! Thanks for sharing and we're so glad you're here with us! :)

[@FBIagent22-q1d]

You must make some Brandy extract. I started making extract in Jan 2021. I used my Brandy extract five months after making it. I made whipped cream with vanilla sugar and Brandy extract. It was the best tasting whipped cream I have ever had. Unfortunately I only made a pint and divied it up for Christmas but saved some for egg nog. My daughter and I went to the store and purchased the biggest bottle we could find and started another bottle to be sure we'll have enough in a year if it lasts that long.

[@VanillaPura]

Absolutely! We're going to do that in our next live event. I bet it's WONDERFUL just as you describe. Thanks for sharing! :)

[@Jennifr1966]

Any particular brandy suggested?

[@caart6317]

This is a two years video and I just found it. I hope you guys still doing all this beautiful job and having fun. I have started making vanilla extract from last year and I have read so many different ratios between vanilla and the alcohol. I ended up putting more vanilla beans than they say and not regretting it. Still thought feel that the smell of the extract is alcoholic and not like the vanilla in the stores. I’ve used vodka( same brand you used on the video). The ratio I did was about 1 once of vanilla to 8 once of vodka! Keeping the vanilla in a cool dry dark place and shook it every week for about few months but still shake it some days not each week. I like the idea of mother jar especially for Christmas gifts to come. Your thoughts?

[@VanillaPura]

Yep! Still around and happy to have you with us! Visit vanillapura.com for all the updated tips and tricks in the extract making section of our menu. Welcome to the fam! :)

[@Jadeskorpion]

Been making vanilla for years. Just now heard about mother jars. Great info!

[@VanillaPura]

Such a fun hobby! :)

[@dalebwood]

Well, thanks to you, my mother jar will be an old, blue glass 2 quart Ball jar, and I'm naming it Ursula. I haven't decided if she's getting vodka or white rum, but I'm sure it will be interesting.

[@8239Smiley]

I just found y’all, this is awesome, thank you so much

[@VanillaPura]

Our pleasure! It's such a fun hobby! :)

[@erswain1]

You guys are great!! Thanks for all your tips and thoroughness!! You're so fun and informative :)

[@VanillaPura]

Thanks so much!! So glad to have you with us. We're all learning together. :)

[@saabbryant8782]

I love the idea of the Mother Jar!

[@VanillaPura]

It's wonderful! We love ours. :)

[@alsjka]

Good stuff. I have a original jar of vodka based vanilla for a couple of years. And wow when I open the jar what a smell versus store bought..

[@VanillaPura]

It is entirely different for sure. Glad you're enjoying it! :)

[@tonij56]

I am starting my mother jar tomarrow. I want to give these as gifts for Christmas. So excited to order beans in the morning.

[@VanillaPura]

So fun!! Enjoy the journey and let us know how it all turns out! :)

[@rosalindaperez2243]

New to the world of vanilla making. Got tired of paying over $16 for 4oz of what is supposed to be good vanilla and have been disappointed. Can’t wait to order some beans from y’all. I would have never known not to throw the bean away after the first ferment. Going to be binge watching your videos today🤗

[@VanillaPura]

Welcome to the fam! Let us know of any questions and have fun! :)

[@firequeen2194]

Perfect timing. I’m finishing up a second batch of extract and just got new beans. I’ll dry a few out to add to a quart of sugar for vanilla sugar and start a mother jar with the rest. Love it!

[@VanillaPura]

Awesome! it's so much fun. Enjoy the journey and keep us posted on how it all turns out! :)

[@valerieelfering692]

Tractor supply sells a 6 pack of half gallon jars for around $15!

[@melindasmale4303]

Love this couple.

[@TheOriginalRick]

We recycle our one-gallon kimchee jars for stuff such as this. There are some advantages being married to an Asian. 😍

[@siekye023]

Where did you get that huge glass jar? I've been looking all over for one!

[@VanillaPura]

A lot of jars are found here. It's always fun searching for the perfect jar. :) www.vanillapura.com/collections/glass-bottles

[@VivianRP]

Wonderful….good to know! I have been watching ~how to make vanilla video’s, most of the day and I really have enjoyed yours…thank you for this! Will start my Mother Jar soon! Name: My Best Friend :-)

[@VanillaPura]

Glad we could help! Enjoy the journey! :)

[@shirleyedgerly1748]

I just love this.

[@VanillaPura]

Well we love that you love it! Welcome to the family and enjoy the journey! :)

[@e.castlerock8454]

You mentioned you take out the oldest beans that are slimy when you clean out the mother jar. I thought if you kept the beans submerged in the alcohol, they can be kept for years. They get slimy? Is slimy the first stage to getting moldy? Barefoot Contessa says her jar is 25 years old!

[@VanillaPura]

Great question. Yes, they do get slimy and that's not necessarily bad. We have seen some beans that deteriorate at different rates, so we examine them and remove those that appear to be losing their value. We take those beans and typically turn them into vanilla sugar or vanilla powder because they still have some value. We have other beans that have been in our oldest mother jar for more than 5 years and they still look OK. Yes, you can keep vanilla beans for 25 years and they do still have value. Consider this example: Every bean comes new with 100% of its vanillin (the sweet oils that are extracted into the extract). They don't generate new oils, so they only have their original 100%. After one year, they may drop to 25% - 50% of their original value and then after 2 years, maybe 10-20% is left. And on and on. Do they ever go all the way to 0%? Probably not entirely, but they do loose their potency and so we have found that their use in powders and sugars at that point is more valuable than having them sit at the bottom of a really old mother jar. :)

[@e.castlerock8454]

@@VanillaPura - Thank you for clearing that up for me, plus giving me additional interesting info! I was worried that maybe my one-and-a-half-year-old batch of vanilla was ruined since I never took out any slimy beans.

[@tysongarst1431]

So I am ready to report back on my different vanillas - although I will brew them longer still lol. 1 - Grey Goose - tastes about the same as the Kirkland French as you stated 2- Stoli (Russian vodka) I think this would be great or interesting to try for breads or other baked goods - it seems the extract has a more “grain” taste which would likely compliment. 3 - LongBranch Whiskey - this one still tastes like Whiskey to me lol - think it needs more beans or WAY more brew time.

[@VanillaPura]

Love it. Great feedback. Thanks for sharing. Whiskey is always tough. Bourbon is sometimes easier since all Bourbon is at least 51% corn, so it's sweeter. Keep us posted. :)

[@Jennifr1966]

When you spoke of Scarlette's va😅nilla mocha extract, are you saying that just adding the spent beans to the mother will add that flavor?

[@VanillaPura]

Yes - but a small amount depending on how big your mother jar is and how many spent beans you are adding from the mocha extract. In our case, if we added 8 spent beans from mocha extract to a full gallon mother jar, we likely wouldn't get much of the mocha taste. :)

[@Jennifr1966]

@@VanillaPura thank you for explaining! This is really exciting to me!

[@camicri4263]

For me is spiced rum because I use both in baking!

[@VanillaPura]

Spiced rum is always a winner, especially for extracts used in holiday baking like ginger bread, banana bread, pumpkin spice anything and eggnog! I'm sure you'll love it. Let us know how it progresses! :)

[@camicri4263]

@@VanillaPura sure will thanks!

[@firequeen2194]

I’m starting one this round. I hear the depth of flavor is amazing!

[@camicri4263]

@@firequeen2194 it is!

[@dellabautista2707]

■ When you demonstrated a brand new mother jar, the beans you placed into the jar new or used beans? ■ After your first extract matures in 12 mos., do you remove the vanilla beans from the alcohol or can you leave it in while in use? When are the beans considered old?

[@VanillaPura]

We have beans that are 7+ years old now in our mother jars. Sometimes we'll see old beans start to break down and deteriorate. We usually remove those beans, dry them and make vanilla powder or sugar. We know other people that have vanilla beans that are over 20 years old in their mother jars, so there's a lot of personal preference decisions to make along the way. :)

[@rhondaalbrecht]

I'm seriously considering using Everclear, or as others might know it... Moonshine. It's a pure clear whisky, so I think it would be perfect, because the flavor of the vanilla beans would not be changed by the brewing of the spirits.

[@VanillaPura]

Everclear is great, but depending on the type you use it may require dilution. Here is a recipe link. Typically a 190 proof Everclear needs 1 part water for every 3 parts Everclear. 190 proof by itself (95% alcohol) is too strong and will damage the vanilla beans. Have fun!! www.vanillapura.com/blogs/extract-recipes/alcohol-free-and-low-carb-homemade-vanilla-extract

[@rhondaalbrecht]

@@VanillaPura Thank you! I appreciate the feedback and advice.

[@smileawhile3788]

I have one very small container and one very large Question #1 If you don't have as many beans as you'd like per oz of alcohol, can you use what you have and let it sit longer? #2 can you have too many beans per jar?

[@VanillaPura]

I think the best answers to your questions can be found in this link that outlines exactly how many beans you need. The quick math is 1oz of beans for every 8oz of alcohol. So to answer your questions, you will need to know how much alcohol will go in each container. Here's some info: www.vanillapura.com/pages/how-many-beans-in-vanilla-extract

[@sandyscott8003]

What do you do with the mother jar

[@VanillaPura]

We keep adding beans to it and it becomes a beautiful blended bean extract over time. We can use the extract for cooking, of course, but also for gifting. :)

[@Libbybelle996]

Hi, I have a question: if I made a vanilla extract that is double or triple fold How much would I use in a recipe that called for a tablespoon of extract

[@VanillaPura]

Still the teaspon. The idea behind a double or tripple folde extract is that you increase the concentration of vanilla flavor without increasing moisture content so it doesn't affect your recipes. So, a recipe that calls for 1tsp of vanilla still gets just 1tsp of vanilla - but it's twice as sweet with the same amount of moisture. :)

[@azhara-robin1416]

What type proof percentage to use starting mother jar 40% 80% 100% of vodka or Rum etc Or starting your kits or starting smaller batches

[@VanillaPura]

Anything between 35%abv (70 proof) and 50%abv (100 proof) will do the trick!

[@alexandrahoyt844]

How long does it take to cultivate the vanilla extract

[@VanillaPura]

Usually about 1 year. Some say shorter, some say longer. Here's some info to help you decide. Have fun! :) www.vanillapura.com/pages/does-vanilla-extract-really-take-one-year-before-its-ready

[@kathyclark6420]

Hi I’m a newbie and I am having trouble getting my head around the mother jar, if it takes a year for making extract, and you’re adding beans and alcohol to the mother jar constantly, how do you know when that extract in the mother jar is ready? Hopefully that makes sense.

[@VanillaPura]

Great question! We are constantly taste testing the mother jar. (See our video on taste testing right here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5mqiWOHj7VqnrM) So long as it tastes great, we use it. Sometimes it can get a little "boozy" if you just added new spirits. Have fun! :)

[@user-Mita231]

Does a mother jar have to be all the same vodka ? If you keep adding to it over time, i could see where you could forget and add a different vodka. Thanks !

[@VanillaPura]

That's a great question! We do label our mother jars in broad spirit categories. We have bourbon, rum and vodka mother jars. It's OK if you blend various brands of vodka, but we try to avoid mixing vodka with bourbon. Have fun! :)

[@user-Mita231]

@@VanillaPura Thank you ! I just finished labeling my vanilla extract jar. First one i have made in many years. I came across your video and got really excited about it again ! Also i never heard of a Mother Jar before but i am definitely going to start one!

[@jackietimmerman-glass377]

Can you use rum?

[@VanillaPura]

Yes indeed, and it's wonderful. White rum (35%-50% alcohol) is our favorite, but any rum with that alcohol content will work. Have fun! :)

[@carolynhigginbotham3953]

Have you used spiced rum?

[@VanillaPura]

Yes we have and it's wonderful. Here's the recipe: www.vanillapura.com/blogs/extract-recipes/spiced-rum-vanilla-extract

[@swtesw]

Just found you, how long till it's ready to use?

[@VanillaPura]

In our experience, most extracts are best after 1 year. :)

[@8239Smiley]

Is there a certain amount of beans per the vodka ? How many beans would I put in a pint jar with vodka ?

[@VanillaPura]

Yes, there is. A pint is 16oz, so you will need a minimum of 2oz of vanilla beans for single fold. (4oz of vanilla beans for double fold.) Here's a link with some information and a chart to help you calculate how many beans you will need. Have fun! :) www.vanillapura.com/pages/how-many-beans-in-vanilla-extract

[@iyabomarvel8506]

@@VanillaPura what does single fold vs double fold mean?

[@VanillaPura]

@@iyabomarvel8506 Single fold is 1oz of beans for every 8oz of alcohol. Double fold is double the amount of beans, so 2oz of beans for every 8oz of alcohol. The benefit is you get more concentrated vanilla sweetness in the same amount of fluid, so you're still only adding 1tbs of vanilla extract to your recipe, but it's a much more powerful sweetness within that 1tbs. :)

[@iyabomarvel8506]

@@VanillaPura ohhh I see! Sounds like I'm definitely going to be doing double fold

[@sherrymaxwell5086]

I want to know how does your Mother Jar get fuller if you start with that small amount over the beans? Also how many beans do you start with, and how often do you add more beans and alcohol?

[@VanillaPura]

Great questions. The mother jar is really more art than science. Every time we add more beans we add just enough alcohol to make sure the beans are submerged. We have a few mother jars now. Once one jar as full, we begin another. We usually draw from the oldest mother jars for use. Every time you add more alcohol, you do need to wait a little longer for the extract to be ready, so we're constantly taste testing by adding a couple of drops of extract into a teaspoon of milk to make sure we taste more beans than booze. :)

[@Keliiyamashita]

I have “oil bubbles” in mine. They look vanilla in color. They are floating at the top. Is this oil from the bean? Will it mix in over time?

[@VanillaPura]

That's just the natural vanilla pod oils and they will go away over time. If you're taste testing your vanilla, give it a good shake first to mix those oils in so you get a good sample. :)

[@lindahopkins1544]

I made several different vanilla extracts about 10 years ago and sadly they all smell and taste like the top shelf vodka I used. I couldn’t make myself toss them hoping that one day they would magically change into the extract of my dreams 😎 Can they be saved?

[@VanillaPura]

Oh wow! 10 years is a long time! Yes, they can be saved but you'll probably need to add more beans. I can only think of two possible issues: 1) Perhaps you didn't have enough beans to begin with. You need 1oz of beans for every 8oz of spirits. If you had less, then it wouldn't taste as "vanilla as you'd like. Or, 2) Your alcohol was less than 35% or more than 50%. If your alcohol content is correct, then you can add more beans and wait and it will improve. If your alcohol content is too high you could dilute it with distilled water. If it's too low, you could add a little everclear. But...if alcohol content is the issue, it might just be easier to start all over. Here's a detailed recipe to help you begin: www.vanillapura.com/pages/how-to-make-vanilla-extract Good luck! :)

[@nancyalberghini7581]

I make vanilla however I drink the gray goose and use a cheap vodka…gray goose is expensive.

[@katherinedeluca5015]

What grade vanilla bean do you use?

[@VanillaPura]

For extract you can use A or B. We like A because they have more uses. For example, after the extract is finished we can remove the whole grade-A beans and take the caviar for vanilla bean paste or to add to homemade vanilla ice cream, etc. With grade B, you can really only use them for extract and powder and not much more.

[@jenniroserivera5811]

To start my mother jar, can I use Grade B…and will it rehydrate over time? Also, how long will this keep for without spoiling?

[@VanillaPura]

So fun! Yep, grade B is fantastic for extracts. Our mother jar is almost 4 years old, and we've seen other mother jars that are 10-20 years old. As long as your beans are in alcohol, you should be fine. Enjoy the journey! :)

[@deku_issocutee]

How many beans or ounces in jar?

[@VanillaPura]

You need a minimum of 1oz of beans in every 8oz of spirits. Typically there are 6-10 beans per ounce, but it can vary, which is why we always go be weight and not by bean count. Enjoy! :)

[@FBIagent22-q1d]

Did you say how old your jar is?

[@VanillaPura]

3+ years old now!

[@FBIagent22-q1d]

@@VanillaPura I can't imagine how yummy that must be.

[@FBIagent22-q1d]

@@VanillaPura Thank you, I have another question. How many pieces of oak wood comes in your packages. It says the oz but not how many. I am interested in ordering some. Thanks

[@ronaldwells1805]

I have a question.. if you are putting all the beans in the mother jar. And five months down the road you take out seven of them and put them in a bottle wouldn't those beans be weak ??

[@VanillaPura]

Yes, they will be weaker than fresh beans. If you're making a brand new bottle, we recommend using brand new beans. Mother jars are all about being a repository for used beans that still have some value. :)

[@ronaldwells1805]

@@VanillaPura yes I've been making it about five years and I ran across you guys and seeing you putting it in the mother container... and it threw me off because I thought you guys were taking the beans out of the mother container and making a fresh batch and I thought to myself that's not going to work because it's going to be weak

[@wm.nabors4243]

Y’all been hittin that mother jar, ain’t’cha?

[@VanillaPura]

Only for baking, we promise! :)

[@lahainalady3580]

I’m confused. As you build the mother jar you don’t weigh beans and add spirits appropriately? The video says to add spirits just to cover beans.

[@VanillaPura]

Great question. With Mother Jars they always tend to be really heavy on the vanilla beans, like triple fold heavy in our experience. Since we're always adding beans to them, we constantly do taste tests to determine readiness for use. To be scientific, however, you will want to measure bean weight and spirits every time you add to it. If you are using used beans that have been previously extracted, remember that you will need at least double the beans to get a good result. In our experience, we always end up with a mother jar that is 50% beans and 50% spirit, so we have plenty. Mother jars are more art/craft than science for most people, but you can certainly apply the science as you make yours. Enjoy! :)

[@onwardkiller1]

Costco vodka is the same as Grey goose

[@VanillaPura]

Always a great choice! :)

[@mydailyreward2090]

My mother jar is named Millie. Millie Vanillie.

[@rickwilliams967]

Soak the beans in ethanol. This isn't vinegar, so you really don't need an extra jar.

[@deku_issocutee]

A pickle jar

[@mrsman2006]

Have you ever tried tequila?

[@VanillaPura]

Yes, go to our channel and you'll see a video dedicated to tequila. We recommend an anejo or reposado to begin. It's wonderful! :)