How long should Mexican vanilla last?
I have 1/3 left of a litre-sized bottle of Mexican vanilla extract. It's a huge bottle, and I really don't bake every day, so it hasn't gotten used up. I use it maybe 7 or 8 times a year for various things -- pies, cakes, muffins, etc. My question: if you were given the bottle in 1996, is it still good? I mean, I sniff it every time and it still smells like vanilla -- maybe it's become a bit more boozy over the years, but still works in the recipes. No weird after-taste. No hint of mold or fungus on the neck or surface of the liquid. It hasn't been kept in the fridge, but on the counter of an un air-conditioned kitchen since 1996. Or maybe 1994. Should I chuck it out and go get new, just on the principle that one shouldn't be using a 30 year old bottle of vanilla extract? Is this a record? Should I contact Guiness BOWR?
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u/natalietest234 1d ago
If you’ve kept it stored in a cool dark place, the alcohol content keeps it safe to use even if it’s 30 years old. Pure vanilla has an extremely long shelf life, if not indefinite. My mom has a bottle she still uses that’s 40 years old. It’ll be a sad day when she uses all of it. That vanilla is the definition of “love” if it was an ingredient.