Unlocking the Perfect Aroma with Vanilla Paste and Extract

In the world of baking and recipe creation, finding the best ingredients is a joy in itself, especially when those ingredients can add a special touch to dishes made for loved ones. Recently, one form of vanilla that has captured the attention of the baking world is vanilla paste. Vanilla paste is a thick, sweet substance that combines the best qualities of pure vanilla extract and vanilla beans. Both professional chefs and home bakers have embraced the convenience of vanilla paste over scraping whole vanilla beans to infuse flavor into cakes, cookies, ice cream, and various other dishes. For decades, vanilla paste has been a favorite among vanilla enthusiasts.

While pure vanilla extract holds an essential place in every baker’s pantry due to its rich and complex flavor and its ability to enhance taste, there are some key differences between vanilla extract and vanilla paste that every baker should know to maximize their creations. Whether you are new to vanilla paste or have used it several times, here we will explain the critical differences to help you become a vanilla expert just like us!

Pure Vanilla Extract

Our pure vanilla extract is made from high-quality vanilla beans that are handpicked and cultivated in Papua. We go through various processes to preserve all the flavors, combining natural ingredients in a slow extraction process that retains all the complex flavor compounds from the vanilla beans. As a result, our vanilla extract has a rich and full taste that complements a variety of dishes, both savory and sweet.

Just like wine, chocolate, and coffee, vanilla from different countries has its own flavor profiles and characteristics due to differences in climate, soil, drying methods, and the species of vanilla used. For instance, vanilla from Madagascar has a creamy and sweet taste. Mexican vanilla is known for its creamy and spicy notes, while Tahitian vanilla has fruity and floral attributes. Regardless of its origin, the liquid form of vanilla makes it easy to measure and add classic vanilla flavor and aroma to cakes, cookies, cocktails, smoothies, ice cream, and more.

Vanilla Bean Paste

Our vanilla bean paste is made using our high-quality vanilla extract but includes real vanilla seeds and natural thickeners to change its consistency. When you want vanilla to be the star of the recipe, vanilla bean paste is the best choice. Want to see those creamy vanilla bean specks? Use vanilla bean paste. This visual touch adds an elegance and gourmet nuance to classic dishes like crème brûlée, pastry creams, or French vanilla ice cream. Whole vanilla beans can also be used to create this effect but require more preparation time and can be more expensive. If you want to add the gourmet appearance of vanilla beans to your desserts without adding time and cost to your baking, vanilla bean paste is the solution you’re looking for.

When to Use Vanilla Bean Paste and Vanilla Extract

After learning more about vanilla bean paste and vanilla extract, you might wonder – is vanilla bean paste better than vanilla extract? The short answer is it depends on the recipe you are making. Both our Pure Vanilla Extract and Vanilla Bean Paste use the same high-quality vanilla beans, but they have slightly different applications due to differences in consistency and the inclusion of vanilla beans in the paste. Therefore, both have earned a place in many bakers’ spice cabinets, ensuring that no matter what dessert is made, the perfect vanilla is always available. Here are some of our favorite uses for each product:

• Desserts Requiring a Luxurious Look: For example, in puddings, custards, or ice creams, where the specks of vanilla beans can add aesthetic appeal.
• Moist Baked Goods: Such as cheesecakes or custard pies, where vanilla paste helps distribute flavor evenly while adding a rich texture.

When to Use Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is ideal for use in various cooking applications, especially where a strong vanilla flavor is desired without the need for vanilla bean visuals. This includes:

• Cakes and Cookies: Extract integrates well into batter, providing a consistent vanilla flavor without affecting texture.
• Drinks and Sauces: Like caramel sauces or vanilla milkshakes, where perfect flavor integration is more important than visual appeal.

Choosing Based on Recipe Needs

• For Richness and Depth of Flavor: Combine both types of vanilla to achieve a more complex depth of flavor and aroma. For instance, use vanilla extract for the base flavor and add vanilla bean paste for a finishing touch on frosting or toppings.
• In Smooth Baking: Consider the final texture; if the recipe is very smooth and creamy, vanilla bean paste might be preferred as it can add visual dimension without disrupting the texture.

Usage Tips

• Add at the Right Time: For vanilla extract, add it at the beginning of the mixing process so the flavor can meld well. For vanilla bean paste, add it at the end to maintain visual and maximum aroma.
• Adjust to Taste: Don’t hesitate to adjust the amount of vanilla to suit your desired flavor strength. Vanilla usage can vary based on personal preference and the type of vanilla beans used.

Visit EMAS Vanilla at vanilla.co.id now to discover high-quality vanilla extract and paste that will elevate each of your creations to the next level. Make every dish a masterpiece that exudes authentic vanilla aroma and flavor with EMAS Vanilla.