Q: How long do flavoring extracts last in the cupboard? I have several bottles of extract (vanilla, rum, maple and lemon) that are quite old and I wonder if they are still usuable. The alcohol evaporated from the peppermint extract. Can I add more alcohol to the bottle and reconstitute the residue? (Guess who is frugal?) I did pitch the Mexican vanilla because of questionable orgin.
Sent by Lona
Editor: Lona, most flavoring extracts are quite volatile and, as you discovered with the peppermint flavoring, can evaporate. We looked at the storage recommendations from several flavoring manufacturers and they say that extracts tend to have a shelf life of 6 months to 1 year. The exception to this is pure vanilla extract which, if stored in a cool dark place and tightly sealed, can last indefinitely and even improve with age.
Readers, what has your experience been with storing flavoring extracts? How long do you keep them? Do you think that Lona can reconstitute her peppermint flavoring?
Related: Five Uses for Almond Extract
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can't hurt to try and if it works let us know. i have a fairly old bottle of peppermint that would be nice to save!
i make my own vanilla extract. when it begins to run out i add more alcohol and more vanilla. so it can technically last forever! http://thekosherfoodies.com/2009/07/31/vanilla/
Totally make my own vanilla extract, too! Here's how:
http://yardtofork.wordpress.com/2009/08/25/making-vanilla-extract/ And yep, you just top if off as you use it and it keeps forever (and makes wonderful gifts as well!)
P.S. here's how the vanilla extract gifts I made for Christmas last year looked when they were all done and packaged and ready to go! http://yardtofork.wordpress.com/2009/11/28/homemade-holiday-goodies/
I'd *love* to know if anyone has tried making peppermint extract!
Most extracts are flavor suspended in alcohol, so I'd imagine it's rare that they'd actually go bad in the sense of spoiling. But they could certainly lose flavor. A sniff test should tell you if they're usable. A good extract has a strong smell. If all you smell is alcohol, or it's just a weak waft of scent, it's probably kaput.