If you are in the ice cream business, two flavors—chocolate and vanilla—are the essential starting points. Whether on their own, as the foundation for sundaes, or whipped up in experimental desserts, chocolate and vanilla are the foundation of any successful ice cream business. So, it is crucial for ice cream manufacturers that they perfect their chocolate and vanilla recipes first and foremost.
As is the case for any recipe, the first step is ensuring that only the highest quality ingredients are used. For ice cream manufacturers, one such essential ingredient is vanilla extract. Vanilla extract is actually a must-have for any ice cream maker. Here is why.
The Vanilla Extraction Process
Vanilla extract is made by soaking real vanilla seeds in a mixture of water and alcohol. Eventually, the liquid will literally extract the flavor-producing molecule vanillin. This solution absorbs the vanilla flavors in a highly condensed volume with no additional flavors, sweeteners, or chemicals. This means that the vanilla flavor contained in vanilla extract is pure vanilla. It also means there are no artificial preservatives and, of course, no artificial flavors to be found in vanilla extract.
Other benefits of vanilla extract include its shelf life and potency. These two benefits go hand-in-hand in many ways. If stored properly—in a cool and dry place away from light, vanilla extract can last for several years without spoiling. And, because vanilla extract offers pure vanilla flavor, very little of it is required to achieve effective vanilla flavoring in most recipes.
Vanilla Extract for Ice Cream
The cold temperature of ice cream makes vanilla extract indispensable. Vanilla extract provides the most pure vanilla flavor of any substance on the market, and is most effective in cold dishes like ice cream. Its liquid form also helps to ensure a smooth and even flavor distribution. Simply add the appropriate percentage to your formulation thanks to the expertise of or flavorists. You’ll achieve a perfectly flavored vanilla ice cream for your customers.
Vanilla extract does not just need to be used for vanilla ice cream either. Thanks to vanilla’s natural sweetness, you can add a pinch of vanilla extract to other flavors and recipes, lending a touch of natural sweetness without the need for additional sweeteners.
OSF Flavors is a flavoring manufacturer that appreciates the importance of high-quality vanilla flavoring for all culinary businesses—ice cream manufacturers are no exception. If you would like to request a vanilla flavoring sample for your business, whether for ice cream, baking, coffee, or any other culinary field, visit our sample request page.