Real vanilla extract, does it go bad?

[AlCzervik]

i have to make a cheesecake for thanksgiving and i've had a bottle of it in my pantry for over a year, is it still good? It smells fine and there isnt a date anywhere on the bottle.

[Liberal Veteran]

1. It's an indefinite shelf life....

Have at it.

From About.com

Beans should be kept in a tightly-closed container in a refrigerated area where they should last up to six months. Pure vanilla extract has an indefinite shelf-life, and actually improves with age like a fine wine or liquor. Vanilla powder is also available, which should also be kept tightly-sealed, in a cool, dry place away from sun and heat. Whole beans that have been used in sauces or other liquids can be rinsed, thoroughly dried, and stored for reuse.

[AlCzervik]

Thank you, i will.

[AlCzervik]

7. i cant get the cap off so i guess it's sealed pretty well.

[candy]

2. If it has been opened buy a new one.-------No harm but the flavor won't-

be there.

[Sabriel]

3. I'd say no. It's got a lot of alcohol in it, and I've used older stuff.

Besides, at the price you pay for it now, who can afford to waste it?

(Edit: rant about vanilla price increase)

[mrbassman03]

4. Then try vanilla paste from Trader Joe's...

so good...

[AlCzervik]

5. A trader Joes just opened in my town

do is have a conversion table for paste versus liquid?

[Sabriel]

8. Lucky! The nearest one to me is 3 hours away

I SO miss TJ's.

[tridim]

6. What's Trader Joe's?

[NJ_Lib]

9. That stuff is expensive...

I have a huge bottle that I've been using now for four year... FOUR YEARS!

My cookies are perfect each time.... I also read that it actually gets better with time

[Liberal Veteran]

10. I think there are probably limits to that.....

One can splurge every decade or so for a new bottle.

:)

[NJ_Lib]

12. Ok... Ok... You got me on that one...

It's my mother coming out in me... The voice in my head says: "What's the matter with you? That's a perfect bottle of vanilla right there. Throw it away? Are you out of your mind?"

God. I have become my mother.

Thanks for opening my eyes to that painful fact... :)

[On the Road]

11. No Problem with Spoilage

but it may be less potent.

My suggestion: Just pour in the whole bottle. Vanilla's great for flavoring and recipes never use nearly enough. You can often barely smell it by the time it gets to the table.

[yellowdogintexas]

13. no, just do 1 1/2 times what the recipe calls for

Vanilla extract if it is PURE, not imitation should keep forever.

However if it is imitation, dump that crap down the sink and go get the real thing.

[miss_kitty]

14. Throw a vanilla bean in sugar in a tightly closed container

Vanilla sugar!