Use a vanilla pod
To split a vanilla pod properly, hold it by the butt and split it lengthwise with a sharp, pointed knife. Then scrape the inside of the pod to remove the vanilla beans. Be careful not to skin the pod, so as to remove only the seeds. Madagascar vanilla beans are finer, but Tahitian vanilla beans are more moist and fleshy. Add the split and scraped pod to the liquid to be infused. In parallel, you can prepare a second recipe using the vanilla beans removed. For a cold infusion, leave the beans to macerate for 24 hours, filming the pan to preserve the aromas. For a hot infusion, heat the liquid (cream, milk, etc.) to 80°C for 4 minutes. Higher temperatures may alter certain aromatic molecules. Cover and leave to stand for 20 minutes, off the heat. Remove the film that forms on the milk, then filter the mixture. Now it’s ready!
Add the split and scraped pod(s) to the liquid to be infused. In parallel, you can prepare a second recipe using the natural vanilla beans removed. For a cold infusion, leave the beans to macerate for 24 hours, filming the pan to preserve the aromas. For a hot infusion, heat the liquid (cream, milk, etc.) to 80°C for 4 minutes. Higher temperatures may alter certain aromatic molecules. Cover and leave to stand for 20 minutes, off the heat. Remove the film that forms on the milk, then filter the mixture. Now it’s ready!
Using a vanilla bean properly means extracting all its aromas and using every part of the spice. So, as a first use, we have seen how to split, scrape and infuse a vanilla bean. Some pastry chefs reserve the beans for one specific use and the pod for another, infusing the two separately in different preparations. In this way, you can enjoy two uses for the bean. However, after infusion, other uses are still possible! So don’t throw away your infused vanilla beans. Remember to wash and dry them. You can then add them to a jar of sugar to flavour it. Alternatively, you can grind them into a powder to sprinkle over your creations and decorate them with a hint of vanilla. In this way, you can make your own vanilla powder with woody notes. For a more intense flavor, NOROHY has chosen to grind whole beans and pulp very finely. Discover our organic vanilla powder for professionals and consumers. Finally, you can also add dry, split beans to alcohol (gin, rum…) to flavour your next preparations!