Why is vanilla extracted/sold in alcohol, isnt there something more flavorless/"vanilla" they could suspend it in?
from cheese_greater@lemmy.world to nostupidquestions@lemmy.ca on 11 Mar 12:36
https://lemmy.world/post/44114367

Also, is real, pure vanilla ever so slightly spicy, I know its not actually naturally sweet

#nostupidquestions

threaded - newest

reddig33@lemmy.world on 11 Mar 12:57 next collapse

There are lots of non-alcohol vanilla extracts. Usually made with water and glycerine. Sometimes propylene glycol.

cheese_greater@lemmy.world on 11 Mar 13:04 collapse

Isnt glycerine sweet? Is there nothing more inert

BussyGyatt@feddit.org on 11 Mar 13:48 collapse

yes. alcohol.

cheese_greater@lemmy.world on 11 Mar 13:51 collapse

Alcohol is still “sweet”

Edit: i just noticed a comment someone made about alcohol evaporating during the baking process

Nemo@slrpnk.net on 11 Mar 13:04 next collapse

It’s aromatic and botanical when unsweetened.

It’s traditionally been suspended in alcohol to preserve it.

dohpaz42@lemmy.world on 11 Mar 13:06 collapse

eatingwell.com/why-alcohol-is-in-vanilla-extract-…

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanilla_extract

bhg.com/…/when-to-use-pure-vanilla-extract-or-imi…

It boils down to a) the alcohol dissolves the organic materials, leaving the vanilla flavoring; 2) regulations require it (e.g. US FDA mandates minimum 35% alcohol in pure vanilla extract, and iii) alcohol is used because it evaporates away during baking.

Alcohol-free extract is referred to as imitation vanilla extract because it uses synthetic vanillin (often derived from wood pulp, but once was made from anal excretions of beavers).

As for the flavor, vanilla extract contains more than just vanilla.

zero_spelled_with_an_ecks@programming.dev on 11 Mar 15:28 next collapse

Eh, the beaver thing is really overblown. Considering how much labor and how many beavers would be involved in extracting castorum in sufficient quantities for industrial food production, don’t expect it in anything you find at a grocery store in the last 40 years.

Alcohol is a great solvent for a lot of things. Tomatoes are another good example and why vodka sauce is a thing.

bacon_saber@fedia.io on 11 Mar 15:04 collapse

Alcohol-free extract is referred to as imitation vanilla extract because it uses synthetic vanillin (often derived from wood pulp, but once was made from anal excretions of beavers).

Maybe it's real vanilla
Maybe it's beaver ass 🎶