is vanilla extract the same as vanilla essence?

Answer 1

no : vanilla extract is synthetic, not vanilla essence !

Answer 2

vanilla extract is the pure oils from the vanilla bean, extracted with alcohol.
vanilla essence is a simulated flavouring with artificial E number type chemicals. Buy the extract every time, it may cost more, but it will go further, and doesn't have the nasty bitter after taste of essence.
If you invest in some vanilla pods (you can get them in supermarkets these days) and you use the seeds (by slitting the pod open, and scraping the seeds out with a knife, and putting them into whatever you're making) you can put the scraped out pods in a large jar of caster sugar, put the lid on, and in a few day will have heavenly scented vanilla sugar for baking, pancakes, or even to put in your coffee.
Bon appetite!

Answer 3

Sort of, but essence is more concentrated.

Originally, everyone used vanilla pods. Vanilla extract has been commercially available for a little more than a hundred years. The first extracts were made at apothecary shops (the first pharmacies and drug stores) and were more like a tincture or syrup. They were strong and very sweet and were often used to calm upset stomachs.

Pure vanilla gives us one of the most complex tastes in the world, having well over 250 organic components creating its unique flavor and aroma. In truth, they're just different so it's a matter of your own personal taste. Even the same species of vanilla beans grown in different parts of the world will vary in flavour and aroma due to climate and soil differences.

There are about 150 varieties of vanilla, though only two are used commercially--Bourbon and Tahitian. Vanilla extract is made by percolating or macerating chopped vanilla pods with ethyl alcohol and water. The process is usually kept as cool as possible to keep flavor loss to a minimum, though some manufacturers feel that there must be heat to create the best extraction.

Most companies use a consistent blend of pods, sometimes from several regions, to create their signature flavour. The extraction process takes about 48 hours after which the extracts will mellow in the tanks with the beans from days to weeks, depending on the processor, before being filtered into a holding tank where the amber-colored liquid extract remains until being bottled.

Coumarin is a derivative of the tonka bean, which comes from Dipteryx ordorata, a tree native to Brazil. Some of the organic constituents that make up its flavour are similar to, or the same as, those in pure vanilla. Coumarin is frequently found in synthetic vanillas from Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean as it's cheap and it makes synthetic vanilla taste more like the natural. But it is thought to be a toxin, so banned in the us.

the difference is that your vanilla extract is usally pure - concentrated. There are double and triple strength vanilla extracts, as well as a vanilla essence -- which is so strong that only a drop or two is needed (6 times strength). On the other hand, the flavoured additives are deluted down with caramel (colour and corn syrup).

Answer 4

Yes.
But always look for pure vanilla essence. There are some which are labelled 'vanilla flavour extract' and are made with synthetic vanillin, not real vanilla.
Hence, some manufacturers have taken to describing their product as an extract because it is extracted from genuine vanilla.

Answer 5

.
The extract is made from the seeds.According to law, Pure Vanilla Extract must be 35 percent alcohol by volume
The essence is made artificially.

by the way, did you know that Vanilla Beans are the long, greenish-yellow seed pods of the tropical orchid plant, Vanilla planifolia.

One inch of Vanilla Bean is equal to one teaspoon of Pure Vanilla Extract. Vanilla Beans should never be refrigerated because they may develop mold when chilled. They should be kept in an air-tight container at room temperature. Add to desserts or beverages to boost sweet, fruity, or rich flavors. Provides smooth rich background taste - use to balance sauces for shellfish, chicken, and veal. Softens dairy flavors and reduces egginess in French toast and meringues. Add to a mug of hot chocolate, coffee, or tea for added richness

Answer 6

No vanilla extract is concentrated and is from the actual pod. Vanilla essence is just a flavouring.

Answer 7

No, vanilla extract is a synthetic product, if you want the real taste of vanilla, go for the essence, or better still, buy vanilla pods.

Answer 8

No--check the ingredients. Oftentimes the extract is either synthetic or watered-down. Essence is so concentrated that you hardly ever need more than a few drops of it. Pampered Chef makes a really good vanilla, I especially like it in my sugar cookies. Have fun in the kitchen!

Answer 9

Most vanilla essence is synthetic, as a rule a by-product of the paper industry!
Bourbon vanilla extract, which costs over £5.95 from most good delis and supermarkets, is fantastic. I could just sit and sniff the bottle.

Answer 10

vanilla essence is a homemade version of vanilla extract. It is called otherwise because you can make it on your own. vanilla extract has been through a different proces of making. essence is tastier.