Because dried out vanilla beans are nearly impossible to split and scrape, I store whole beans in a jar filled with vodka, bourbon or brandy. They stay soft, making it easy to scrape out every last bit of vanilla. The liquor makes a vanilla extract. Great for anything!
By Ron from Cortez, CO
I guess I never thought of the beans drying out. I use my right away. I have heard of storing them in alcohol but I thought it was just for making vanilla extract. Glad to know it serves a duel purpose. Might just give it a try. Thanks for sharing.
