Yes, you can use 10 year old pure vanilla extract.
According to sources, pure vanilla extract—the kind made with real vanilla beans and at least 35 percent alcohol—has an indefinite shelf life. This is largely due to its high alcohol content, which acts as a preservative.
While 10 year old pure vanilla extract is considered safe to use from a spoilage perspective, the key factor is flavor quality. The reference notes that while safe, the flavor may deteriorate after a few years, especially if it's been stored improperly. This means the intense, rich vanilla taste might fade or change over a decade.
Factors Affecting Flavor Over Time
The deterioration of flavor in vanilla extract is often related to its exposure to light and air. Proper storage is crucial for maintaining flavor:
- Store in a cool, dark place (like a pantry or cupboard).
- Keep the bottle tightly sealed to prevent evaporation of alcohol and exposure to air.
How to Tell if Old Vanilla Extract is Still Good (for Flavor)
Even with proper storage, a 10-year-old extract's flavor might be less potent. Before using it in a recipe where vanilla is a key flavor, consider performing a quick check:
- Smell Test: Open the bottle and take a sniff. Does it still have a strong, pleasant vanilla aroma? If it smells weak or has an off smell, the flavor has likely degraded significantly.
- Taste Test: Put a tiny drop on a spoon and taste it. Does it still taste like vanilla, or is it watery, bitter, or lacking depth?
If the smell and taste are still good, you can likely use it successfully. If the flavor is weak, you might need to use a larger quantity, or it might be better suited for recipes where vanilla is a background note rather than the star. If it smells or tastes unpleasant, it's best to discard it.
In summary, while 10-year-old pure vanilla extract is safe to use indefinitely due to its composition, its effectiveness in terms of providing strong vanilla flavor may have diminished over time, depending on storage conditions.
