Vanilla Bean Storage Care and Rehydration

The best method to store vanilla beans is to keep them in a cool, dark place in an airtight container. Ideally, use a glass jar or a vacuum-sealed bag. Avoid refrigerating or freezing them, as moisture can cause mold.

To maintain their freshness, check occasionally for dryness, and if needed, rehydrate them by wrapping them in a damp paper towel for an hour. Properly stored, vanilla beans can last for up to two years.

If your vanilla beans have dried out significantly, you can rehydrate them using one of these methods:

1. Warm Water Method: Submerge the dried vanilla beans in warm (not boiling) water for 10-15 minutes. Once softened, pat them dry with a paper towel. This method is quick but may dilute the flavor slightly.

2. Steam Method: Hold the dried beans over a pot of steaming water using tongs for a few minutes. The steam will soften the beans without diluting their flavor.

3. Alcohol Soak: If you plan to use the beans in a recipe involving alcohol, you can soak them in a small amount of warm alcohol (like vodka or rum) for a few hours or overnight. This not only rehydrates the beans but also infuses the alcohol with vanilla flavor.

Once rehydrated, the beans should be pliable enough to split and scrape out the seeds.