Vanilla bean seeds, commonly known as vanilla bean caviar, might seem easy to extract, but it can be a bit challenging. While not an extremely tough task, a few tricks can make it simpler. But why extract the vanilla bean caviar at all? Many recipes that require vanilla flavor can't use the whole bean. The caviar provides the flavor and is more convenient to handle.
Materials Needed to Cut Open a Vanilla Bean:
- Cutting Board
- Vanilla Bean
- Sharp Knife, preferably with a pointed tip
Steps to Extract Vanilla Bean Caviar:
Carefully take the vanilla beans out of their packaging and place them flat on the cutting board for stability. Make sure the curled tip is pointing to the left side of the board.
Place the sharp knife in the middle of the bean, just below the curled end.
Gently slice the bean from top to bottom while your left index finger holds the top and your thumb holds the bottom of the bean. Aim to create a slit without cutting through the entire bean.
Slowly open the bean. Place it on the board and, holding it with your left index finger and thumb, run the knife perpendicular to the bean, scraping along the inside from the curled end to the bottom.
The vanilla bean caviar will stick to the knife. Since it's sticky, use another knife or a spoon to remove it instead of your fingers.
Don't throw away the bean pod. It can be added to a sugar jar for vanilla-scented sugar or used to make small amounts of vanilla extract.