|
|
Article: GIFTS IN THE MAKING: JARS OF VANILLA EXTRACT.(Lifestyle)
- Article from:
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer
- Article date:
- June 5, 1999
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1999 Seattle Post-Intelligencer. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of the Dialog Corporation by Gale Group. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
Q: What is the shelf life of vanilla beans? - Norma Sheffield, Diamond Bar, Calif.
MS: Vanilla beans are the seedpods of an orchid that blooms only one day a year. The pods are harvested by hand, then cured and fermented for three to six months. It is during this time that they acquire their rich brown color, wonderful flavor and aroma.
Vanilla beans give the most flavor when used within six months of purchase. Store them in a cool, dry place in a tightly sealed container. My favorite way to store vanilla beans is in a jar of sugar.
Bury a bean or two, or as many as you have to store, in granulated sugar in an airtight container with a snug lid. ...