Vanilla 101
12 Extracts to Make Every Month: A Year-Round Guide to Homemade Vanilla & Flavored Extracts
Discover how to build a year-round collection of artisanal extracts—from double-fold planifolia to creative blends like mocha and raspberry-chocolate. Plus, learn zero-waste techniques to transform used beans into vanilla powder, sugar, paste, and more.
The Health Benefits of Vanilla: More Than Just Flavor
Discover the science-backed health benefits of vanilla beans, vanilla extract, and vanillin oil. From antioxidant properties to mood enhancement, learn how vanilla supports wellness beyond flavor.
The Birth of Vanilla Extract: A Sweet Revolution in Culinary History
Discover how vanilla extract was first created in 1847 by Boston chemist Joseph Burnett, revolutionizing baking and making the world's favorite flavor accessible to everyone.
Getting 100% Value from Your Vanilla Beans: The Oil Weight Secret
Learn why vanilla bean oils affect pouch weight and discover how to transform residual oils into luxurious vanilla sugar. Get 100% value from your beans while making perfect extract with the true single-fold ratio.
10 Christmas Desserts That Demand the Very Best Vanilla Extract
Discover 10 Christmas desserts where premium vanilla extract truly shines—from classic crème brûlée and vanilla buttercream to homemade eggnog, panna cotta, cream pies, vanilla hot cocoa, festive cocktails, and elegant pots de crème. Learn why cream-based desserts demand the very best vanilla.
100 Cocktails Elevated by DIY Vanilla Extracts: The Ultimate Mixology Guide
Discover 100 cocktails elevated by DIY vanilla extracts! From Madagascar vanilla Old Fashioneds to mocha vanilla Espresso Martinis, spiced extracts in Hot Toddies, citrus vanilla Margaritas, and spirit-based extracts in premium cocktails. Learn how different vanilla origins and infusions transform classic and creative drinks.
5 Ways to Gift Vanilla Extract Now—Without Waiting for It to Finish
Want to gift vanilla extract but don't want to wait months? Discover 5 creative ways to give vanilla at any stage—from DIY starter kits with beans and vodka, to patience gifts that age over time, vanilla sugar, the ultimate extract maker's kit with multiple origins and our best-selling book, or finished extract paired with beans for next year.
5 Thanksgiving Desserts Where Premium Extracts Truly Shine
Discover 5 Thanksgiving desserts and dishes where premium extracts truly shine—from pumpkin spice in pies to Madagascar vanilla in crème brûlée and chocolate extract in fudge. Learn how to use your extracts liberally for unforgettable holiday flavor.
Speeding Up Vanilla Extract: Sous Vide Techniques & Why We Don't Recommend Pressure Cookers
Discover safe techniques to speed up homemade vanilla extract using sous vide circulation, why we advise against pressure cookers, and why our best extracts still come from traditional slow aging for complex, smooth flavor.
Don't Wait a Year to Discover Your Mistake: Why Extract-Making Advice Matters
Thousands of extract makers have waited a year only to discover their extracts turned out poorly due to bad online advice. Learn why you shouldn't trust AI and search engines alone, and how VanillaPura's community of experienced makers can help you succeed from day one.
5 Vanilla Extracts That Will Transform Your Morning Coffee
Discover five exceptional vanilla extracts that will elevate your morning coffee: Mexican in Spiced Rum, Madagascar in Vodka, Indonesian in Bourbon, Ugandan in Dark Rum, and Peruvian Pompona in Rum. Learn how each unique flavor profile transforms your daily brew.
3 Cozy October Cocktails Featuring Premium Vanilla
Discover three delicious October cocktails that feature premium vanilla beans and vanilla extract, from a Vanilla Spiced Apple Cider Mule to a Vanilla Bean Pumpkin Espresso Martini.












