Vanilla vs. vanilla beans is quite a confusing topic. Although they both are used for cooking/ baking purposes still, most of us are still confused about how these two are different from each other. In this vanilla vs. vanilla bean article, we are going to clear all your doubts.
Vanilla and vanilla beans are poles apart regarding their uses and flavor. The former is commonly used for frosting purposes, whereas the latter is used for baking purposes such as cakes or bread making.
The flavor of the vanilla bean is quite intense and aromatic. On the other hand, vanilla has a more subdued and aromatic flavor.
In this vanilla vs. vanilla beans article, I have mentioned all the points of difference between both types of popcorn. But before going forward with this article, let us know the difference between the two from the below-mentioned difference table.
Vanilla Vs. Vanilla Beans | Difference Table
| Basis Of Difference | Vanilla Beans | Vanilla |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | Vanilla bean pods are quite long and thin in appearance. These beans are reddish brown in color. These are filled with thousands of tiny vanilla beans. | Vanilla extract is a dark reddish-brown liquid that is prepared from vanilla bean pods. |
| Flavor | Vanilla beans have a more intense and aromatic flavor. | Vanilla has a more subdued and aromatic flavor. |
| Shelf Life | The shelf life of vanilla bean pods is about 2 years. | The shelf life of vanilla is indefinite. |
| Quantity | 1 pod is sufficient | 3 teaspoons |
| Uses | It is best for frosting and to add an aesthetic benefit | It is used for baking purposes. |
What is Vanilla?
Vanilla extract is a dark reddish-brown liquid prepared from vanilla bean pods. The taste of the vanilla extract is quite bitter on its own.
Its taste gets sweet when it is added to other ingredients. The quality of the extract decreases with the passage of time.
One must make use of the vanilla extract within just five years. You can get the peak flavors of the extract during these years.
If the vanilla extract is kept for more than five years, you will surely be going to feel some changes.
There will be changes in the texture, color, and fragrance of the vanilla extract. Vanilla extract is one of the best things to use for baking purposes.
It is used in whole baking on a large basis. It is best for preparing cakes or pieces of bread. These are best to use when you do not want the beans to be visible in the product. These are best when you want a subtle flavor.
What is Vanilla Bean?
Vanilla bean pods are quite long and thin in appearance. These beans are reddish brown in color.
These are filled with thousands of tiny vanilla beans. These vanilla beans can be utilized as a whole or soaked to form an extract. The flavors of the vanilla bean are far more intense as compared to vanilla extract.
The strong flavor of the vanilla bean is usually diluted with the help of alcohol and water. When it comes to the shelf life of vanilla bean pods, it is much longer compared to vanilla extract.
The vanilla bean pods can last up to two years if stored properly. To keep them safe, make sure you store them in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Vanilla bean pods are best to choose from when you require a potent flavor of vanilla. In addition, if you want to add an aesthetic benefit to the beans in your food recipe, such as frosting and ice cream, you must use vanilla bean pods.
Vanilla Vs. Vanilla Beans | Similarities Between The Two
Although Vanilla Vs. Vanilla beans are quite different; they share a few similarities. Thus, after discussing the various points of the difference between vanilla and vanilla beans, let’s now know about some similarities between the two.
1. Cooking Purposes
Both vanilla and vanilla beans are used for cooking purposes. Vanilla beans have intensive aromas and flavors.
They both are widely used in preparing ice creams, cakes, and other food items. Vanilla beans are used for their pods in the food, and vanilla extract is used for its mild flavors.
2. Same Plant
Both vanilla and vanilla beans are driven from the same plant, which is known as vanilla planifolia Andrews.
This plant is also known as a vanilla orchid and originated in Mexico.
3. Expensive
Both vanilla and vanilla beans are quite expensive. This is because the vanilla plant grows in limited areas.
The average price of US vanilla is between US $42.88 and US $ 34.18 per kilogram or between US $ 19.45 and US $ 15.5 per pound. The average price of vanilla beans is $174.99/lb.
Vanilla Vs. Vanilla Beans | Difference Between The Two
1. Appearances
Vanilla bean pods are quite long and thin in appearance. These beans are reddish brown in color. These are filled with thousands of tiny vanilla beans.
These vanilla beans can be utilized as a whole or soaked to form an extract. On the other hand, vanilla extract is a dark reddish-brown liquid that is prepared from vanilla bean pods.
The taste of the vanilla extract is quite bitter on its own. Its taste gets sweet when it is added to other ingredients.
2. Flavor
Both vanilla bean and vanilla extract are loaded with a strong sweet flavor. However, the flavors of the vanilla bean are far more intense as compared to vanilla extract.
The strong flavor of the vanilla bean is usually diluted with the help of alcohol and water. This is what we call essence or extract.
3. Shelf Life
When it comes to the shelf life of vanilla bean pods, it is much longer compared to vanilla extract.
The vanilla bean pods can last up to two years if stored properly. To keep them safe, make sure you store them in a cool, dry, and dark place.
On the other hand, the quality of the extract decreases with the passage of time. One must make use of the vanilla extract within just five years.
You can get the peak flavors of the extract during these years. If the vanilla extract is kept for more than five years, you will surely be going to feel some changes. There will be changes in the texture, color, and fragrance of the vanilla extract.
4. Use Cases
When it comes to uses, vanilla bean pods are best to choose from when you require a potent flavor of vanilla.
In addition, if you want to add an aesthetic benefit to the beans in your food recipe, such as frosting and ice cream, you must use vanilla bean pods.
On the other hand, vanilla extract is one of the best things to use for baking purposes. It is used in whole baking on a large basis.
It is best for preparing cakes or pieces of bread. These are best to use when you do not want the beans to be visible in the product. These are best when you want a subtle flavor.
5. Differences In The Texture
One of the most common comparisons between the two is their individual texture. The natural vanilla bean is basically a bunch of small seeds.
On the other hand, vanilla extract is a kind of liquid. The texture is different from one another.
This is because, with the vanilla extract, we use the liquid part in which the seeds are soaked and filtered out instead of using the seeds themselves.
Top Recipes To Make With Vanilla Beans
Let us know about a few top recipes made with vanilla beans.
1. Vanilla Bean Fizz
Homemade vanilla bean syrup is best to add to the champagne. It enhances the flavors, and this bubbly vanilla bean fizz is quite the best thing to have during the holiday season throughout the year.
2. Vanilla Bean Blueberry Lemon And Cream Cheese Swirl Sticky Buns
This amazing yet delicious combination of vanilla beans with blueberry and lemon forms buns. These buns are loaded with the richness of creamy cheese and the beautiful flavors of vanilla beans.
3. Bacon Almond Vanilla Bean Brittle
You must try this easy and delicious recipe of bacon almond vanilla bean brittle. The combination of almonds with vanilla is quite a delicious treat for you and your loved ones.
This recipe is not only loved by kids but also by adults. You can gift them to your friends this festive season.
Top Recipes To Make With Vanilla
Let us know about a few top recipes that are made with vanilla.
1. Vanilla Cake
Who does not love to have vanilla cake on special occasions? It is a delicious treat you can ask for on your birthdays.
The creamy texture and the undertones of the sweetness sound like a perfect dessert. You can easily prepare it from the comfort of your home.
2. Rum Vanilla Cranberry Sauce
Who does not love cranberry sauce? It even gets tastier when combined with vanilla. The perfect combination of vanilla with rum is a rich flavorful sauce that is super delicious and easy to prepare.
3. Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
This is an easy and scrumptious recipe to try. You can prepare vanilla buttercream frosting from the comfort of your home.
This frosting takes the cakes with its unmatchable homemade taste with just simple variations and ingredients. You can add different colors and flavors to it.
Vanilla Vs. Vanilla Beans | Which Is More Flavorful?
Both vanilla bean and vanilla extract are loaded with a strong flavor. However, the flavors of the vanilla bean are far more intense as compared to vanilla extract.
The strong flavor of the vanilla bean is usually diluted with the help of alcohol and water.
Thus, when it comes to flavors, the vanilla bean has an upper edge over the vanilla.
Vanilla Vs. Vanilla Beans | Which Is Tastier?
When it comes to taste, vanilla bean pods are the clear winner. The flavor of vanilla bean is quite strong and intense compared to vanilla.
However, the taste of the vanilla extract is quite bitter on its own. Its taste gets sweet when it is added to other ingredients.
Vanilla Vs. Vanilla Beans | Which Is Better?
In my opinion, vanilla is much better than vanilla beans. This is because of the shelf life.
Vanilla beans exist for up to only two years, whereas when it comes to the shelf life of the vanilla extract, they can exist for up to more than five years.
Can You Substitute Vanilla Bean for Vanilla Extract?
Well, yes, you can easily substitute vanilla beans for vanilla extract. If you are somehow out of vanilla beans, you must not buy them. You can easily substitute vanilla beans with vanilla extract.
One vanilla bean pod is approximately equal to three teaspoons of vanilla extract. One teaspoon of vanilla extract is approximately equal to a two-inch vanilla bean.
You should note that these given ratios are persistently applied to vanilla extract.
The imitation vanilla extract or any such flavoring is not an ideal option as a substitute for either of the two. However, if you are going to use a pinch of it, it will suffice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why are vanilla beans more expensive?
The reason vanilla beans are more expensive is due to the fact that the beans are extracted from a delicate plant. This plant only grows in tropical regions.
Can You Substitute Vanilla Bean for Vanilla Extract?
Well, yes, you can easily substitute vanilla beans for vanilla extract. If you are somehow out of vanilla beans, you must not buy them. You can easily substitute vanilla beans with vanilla extract.
Does vanilla bean taste different?
Vanilla beans are usually known for being cream-like, delicate, and earthy. These typically have a subtle sweetness.
Their sweetness is quite comparable to that of raisins. At the same time, some of them may have a note of smoke, butter, and even berries.
Conclusion
I hope all your doubts about vanilla and vanilla beads are cleared now. If I missed something to mention, let me know in the comments. All kinds of opinions are welcomed.
Do not forget to check our website if you want to learn more recipes and need clarification related to the two food items. Keep discovering new things to read on our website. Thanks for reading and till then take care!
