What Should You Do with Unused Vanilla beans?
If you often make desserts at home and end up with extra vanilla pods that you don't use, rather than letting their flavor go to waste, you can try making vanilla salt. Vanilla salt is a simple way to combine spices with salt, which can be used in everyday cooking to enhance the flavor of dishes and add a unique aroma. Below, we will explain how to make your own vanilla salt and explore its various uses.
Ingredients for Making Homemade Vanilla Salt
Materials Needed:
- 1 vanilla pod (approximately 4g)
- 100g of sea salt or rose salt
- A clean, sterile container
- A pair of scissors
※ If you are using leftover vanilla pods, you can adjust the amount of salt according to a ratio of 100g salt to 4g vanilla beans.
Some people also take the used vanilla pod shells (after the seeds have been removed during baking), re-dry them by baking, and then grind them into vanilla powder to mix with the salt to make vanilla salt. However, if you use pod shells without the seeds, the flavor will be much milder, so it is recommended to reduce the amount of salt to concentrate the flavor.
If you need to purchase vanilla pods, we also recommend checking out Vanilla Farmer (Vanilla Knight)'s locally grown Taiwanese vanilla pods, which will undoubtedly amaze you with their flavor!
★ I Want to Order Taiwanese Vanilla beans :Vanilla Knight - Vanilla Specialty Store (Vanilla Farmer)
How to Make Vanilla Salt
Using Taiwanese vanilla pods from Vanilla Knight, you can easily make a bottle of vanilla salt that is bursting with natural aroma and unique flavor. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to making your own vanilla salt:
Vanilla beans Preparation:
Cut the vanilla bean into segments, and then split each segment open lengthwise so that the bean can better infuse its natural aroma into the sea salt.
Mixing:
Open the split vanilla beans to expose the seeds, then pack salt into the beans and gently rub them together so that the salt mixes with the vanilla seeds.
Sealed Storage:
Place the mixed vanilla salt along with the pod shells into a sealed container (ensuring that the pods are completely covered by salt) to allow the flavors to meld.
After approximately 4 weeks, the vanilla aroma will have fully infused into the salt, and your vanilla salt will be ready. If you prefer a finer texture, you can grind it before use.
Uses of Vanilla Salt
- Seasoning in Cooking: Vanilla salt is particularly suitable for marinating meats, seasoning beef, seafood, and other main dishes, adding an extra layer of rich aroma and flavor to your recipes.
- Baking: It can be used in cookies, cakes, or other baked goods to create a unique sweet-and-salty flavor.
- Beverage Seasoning: A pinch of vanilla salt can enhance the flavor profile of cocktails or other drinks.
- Spice Oils or Sauces: When making infused oils or sauces, adding vanilla salt can boost the overall aroma and taste.
- Everyday Cooking: Vanilla salt can be used as a regular seasoning for daily dishes, whether it’s scrambled eggs, roasted vegetables, or salads—or even sprinkled on fries for an unexpected flavor lift.
- Bath and Body Care: Beyond its culinary uses, vanilla salt can also be used as a bath salt for a relaxing soak or foot bath, helping to unwind and relax.
Homemade vanilla salt is not only simple and easy to make, but it can also be customized according to your personal taste by adjusting the types and ratios of spices. It is a practical kitchen creative item that also reflects your individual style.
Vanilla Salt Tutorial Video
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