Pure vanilla extract is usually 35% alcohol—stronger than most wines. That’s why it can last for years in your pantry (sealed, away from light). Imitation vanilla has a shorter shelf life, about two to three years, after which it gets a weird medicinal taste.
In 2019, a shortage of vanilla beans drove prices to $600 per kilogram, sparking a wave of vanilla heists in Madagascar. It’s a serious business: vanilla is now the second most expensive spice after saffron.
Want a fun party trick? Add a drop of pure extract to a hot cup of black coffee. It adds a rich, floral note that makes him think you’re a barista. Do the same with imitation vanilla, and you’ll just taste artificial sweetness.
