Hi all, I do realize this topic has been covered before, but considering it's been some time since this subject was discussed, it may be worth revisiting it. The reason I started this topic is I guess my disappointment at my recent purchase of vanilla extract. So I'll name names. I bought "Rain's Choice - Pure Tahitian Vanilla Extract" from Vanillaqueen.com. I felt like groundskeeper Willie in that Simpson's episode when he said to principal Skinner on a soup he made "My God man, I've watered it down as far she'll go". I could hardly taste any vanilla flavor at all. So I'm looking for something better. I want a really robust vanilla flavor, I really want to taste that vanilla. Many say the best bean for that is the Madagascar variety, such as those with bourbon as the alcoholic base, using Madagascar beans, others swear by the Mexican beans. I confess, I haven't tried the Mexican vanilla extract varieties, so I can't comment as to their quality (I'm sure quality can vary a lot too between brands). I'm just looking for some guidance to make a good choice. Thanks all.
I'm a fan of Baldwin's vanilla extract, made in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, and available through their website. Not cheap, but strong and delicious, made from Madagascar beans. I use their almond extract, too. Here's the website: http://www.baldwinextracts.com/extrac... .
I have read that some of the Nielsen-Massey vanilla sold on Amazon may not be the real thing. Again, watered down, too alcohol heavy. Just some of the negative comments. Maybe the quality of NM vanilla really has gone downhill as some have said, or just a dodgy supplier, not sure. Australia has some nascent vanilla growers in tropical Queensland. I bought a bottle of "broken nose vanilla extract" (great name :-), going to see how it goes.
Here are a few side by side tastings done by respected outlets (at least by me). The Serious Eats tasting is limited though.
https://www.thespruceeats.com/best-va...
Cook's Illustrated tested and reported on vanilla extracts in the Jan/Feb 2019 issue, and the winner, somewhat surprisingly to me, was an imitation vanilla extract, Baker's Imitation Vanilla Flavor. In second place and the top pure vanilla extract was Simply Organic. Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract was in their "Recommended with Reservations" group. For their tests, they made vanilla pudding and frosting, and also used the extracts in vanilla icebox cookies and yellow layer cake.
by Jen Wheeler | Need a spring vegetable guide to what's in season? Consider this your spring produce cheat sheet—complete...
by Rachel Johnson | Whether the kids are still distance learning or returning to a classroom, with school back in session...
by Kelly Magyarics | You’ve sprung for a gorgeous piece of enameled cast iron cookware; protect your investment by cleaning...
by Debbie Wolfe | Home chefs love wood cutting boards because they are durable and reliable. Wood boards are attractive...