How To Store Vanilla Beans To Keep Them Fresh

Real vanilla beans are a total luxury thanks to their singularly fragrant, floral aroma, and seeds that — once scraped from the pod — present as alluring little flecks throughout ice-creams and custards. They are unmatched by any artificial version, and vanilla beans can even help level up an otherwise mediocre whiskey.

Yet while a fresh bundle of these beautiful pods can be a game-changer for a whole range of kitchen projects, they can also set you back a pretty penny, which is why preserving them at their peak freshness is paramount. A little goes a long way, and you may have more on hand than you'll be able to use quickly, so what's the most effective way to maintain that level of perfection?

There are a number of factors to consider when it comes to the freshness of your vanilla beans. They can become dry and brittle easily, with their natural essential oils drying up, so maintaining moisture is your primary concern. A vacuum sealer may be a smart fix to save your food from freezer burn, but in this case, the contraption is the best bet for your vanilla beans' integrity. If your beans are already in a vacuum sealed package upon purchase, don't crack it open until you're prepared to use them. Instead, store them in a cool, dark place like a pantry until the need arises (and never the fridge, where moisture can accumulate and create mold).

If you find your vanilla in a jar or vial and don't plan to use it within a few months, prepare for another form of storage. Wrap your bundle of beans in wax paper or plastic. You'll want them snug, so they're exposed to the least amount of oxygen. From there, stash them in an airtight container or a zip top bag (squeezing out as much air as possible). You can also buy specially designed glass containers from vanilla suppliers.

While you want to protect your beans from too much air, it's recommended they breathe for about ten minutes or so every few weeks. When stored properly, you can expect your beans to sustain freshness for about two years, but it's still best to prioritize using them in closer to six or eight months. For longer shelf life, you can preserve them in alcohol like vodka, gin, or rum — but don't fully submerge them; you only want their tips to soak (the liquid left behind is a perfect vanilla extract).

Remember it's always helpful to start out with quality beans, so purchase from a trusted supplier. You'll be glad you followed these simple storage tips when you split those pods open for your next culinary adventure. And when you're done, you can even follow a pro tip and use the leftover pods to enhance sweet treats. When cared for, properly stored vanilla beans are always little strips of culinary black gold.