How to Store Vanilla
Storing Vanilla Beans
Our Storage
We store our beans in a controlled environment. Our warehouse Temperature is between 50° and 60°F (10° to 15°C) & Humidity is between 60% and 65%.
Your Storage
When stored correctly, vanilla beans, like a fine wine and many other spices, will actually improve their quality over time. Because it is unlikely that you will be able to find the ‘ideal’ conditions that we use, do not despair; following these guidelines will keep your vanilla in excellent condition:
- Unpacking - If you receive beans from us in a vacuum pack, we recommend removing them within 6 months of receipt.
- Location – Keep beans in a cool, dark place – an ideal location is a cupboard in your cool basement. Never refrigerate or freeze vanilla beans.
- Wrap – Tightly triple shrink-wrap (Saran Wrap™) beans in small lots, squeezing out as much air as possible – trying to make package lots that match your consumption schedule.
- Container – store these shrink-wrapped packages in an airtight glass container.
- Airing – As our vanilla is an organic spice, it should be aired regularly – we recommend about 6 times a year. Remove the beans from the container and wrap and allow them to air for about 15 minutes. Re-wrap and containerize the beans after airing.
- Dry or Moldy Beans – To hydrate or remove light mold, rinse beans gently in lukewarm water, but be cautioned that this ‘mold’ may actually be the valuable ‘caviar’ content of the bean that has crystallized on the outer skin – in this case do not disturb. If mold appears rampant, discard the beans, as they will contaminate good beans and may become a health hazard.
- Life Span – Correctly stored beans may be kept for up to 2 years. However, we recommend buying quantities of beans that you will use within one year.
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