Introduction
Vanilla extract is a popular flavoring for many foods and beverages. It has a strong, sweet scent that many find pleasant and its flavor can enhance the taste of other ingredients in a recipe. As with all food products, there are two types of vanilla extract: artificial and pure. Artificial extracts are derived from chemicals, while pure extracts are created from real vanilla beans.
Using vanilla extract as an ingredient in candle making offers many benefits. Vanilla extract can make the candle have a delectable aroma throughout its burning time, adding to the overall enjoyment of using it. Additionally, it helps to eliminate any unpleasant scents caused by other candle ingredients like paraffin wax or essential oils. Moreover, because vanilla is such an inexpensive but powerful scent source, it will not drive up the cost of making candles drastically while still providing great therapeutic properties. Furthermore, adding some drops of vanilla can reduce soot production and give off a perfectly balanced smell, giving each candle its own personality that meets different demands and satisfies individual tastes. Last but certainly not least; this natural ingredient helps to bring aromatherapy benefits such as relaxation and mental clarity, which translate into an even more enjoyable experience when burning candles with this unique aromatic addition!
A Brief History of Vanilla from the Ancient World to Today
Vanilla extract for candle making carries a long and interesting history. It began thousands of years ago in the pre-Columbian Mesoamerican region, during a period known as the Formative Era or Preclassic period. During this time, something similar to vanilla extract was used to flavor alcoholic drinks like an early version of mead. In 1520, Aztecs discovered that flowers from vanilla beans could be used to make an essence and eventually added it as a flavoring to their famous cocoa drink called xocolātl.
During the 16th century, Spanish exploration and colonization brought vanilla extract to Europe. Initially, it was seen as an exotic element in various medicines and other products that would catch on quickly among the upper classes of society due to its rarity and unique flavor. By the late 18th century, many recipes that included vanilla extract began circulating throughout Europe from culinary guidebooks like L’Art de bien Faire les Glaces d’Office by French author Madame Leonard Pariseinnie (1768.)
Eventually in 1793, Madagascar became the first place outside Mexico where cultivated Vanilla planifolia plants were found growing. This discovery enabled commercial production of both vanilla pods and extracts at scale in order to meet popular demand.
In more recent times, other forms of vanilla have also become available including synthetic vanillin extracts which are often used today instead of traditional natural extracts as they cost considerably less without appreciable taste differences between them. Despite this advent however, a movement of true aficionados has grown around authentic natural alternatives with their own specific flavor notes that can’t be replicated by chemical compounds alone.
Benefits & Drawbacks of Using Vanilla Extract in Candle Making
Benefits: Using vanilla extract in candle making is an excellent way to add a distinctive fragrant scent to your candles without requiring complex ingredients or time-consuming production methods. The high concentration found in store-bought vanilla extract ensures you are getting a powerful scent that will be enjoyed throughout the entire burning of your candle. Adding other scents like natural essential oils can also increase the complexity and aromas provided by the candle.
Drawbacks: One drawback of using vanilla extract for candle making is that it has a tendency to drown out other aromas, especially from essential oils. Additionally, the artificial nature of the fragrance may not provide you with the desired natural scent depending on personal preference. It is important to note that when popular variants like Madagascar Vanilla Extract is used for candle production there will be a much higher intensity than organic extracts due to industry regulations. Finally, as one of the more expensive options available it can make your end product pricier than others.
Different Types & Varieties of Vanilla Extract
When it comes to different types and varieties of vanilla extract for candle making, the options are endless. From Madagascar Bourbon vanilla extract to Tahitian vanilla extract, you have many choices when it comes to deciding which type of vanilla will work best in your candles.
When shopping for a specific variety of flavoring extract for your candle making needs, you should be sure to look at the ingredients and quality. Depending on the country of origin, they could range from lower quality to higher quality extracts that are made with more pure ingredients. If you want a stronger flavor or smell profile, consider purchasing an extra-strength vanilla extract. A good rule of thumb is to look for one with a minimum 8% vanillin content for maximum potency. You also need to bear in mind that some extracts may contain alcohol or other chemicals so do due diligence reading through the ingredients list before buying any products if these are not suitable for your project.
On top of Madagascar Bourbon and Tahitian vanilla varieties, there are also Mexican, Ugandan and Indian varieties that can be used as well. Each adds unique characteristics to its respective recipes depending on its region of origin. Mexican offers a smoky flavor ideal for adding boldness in particular recipes while Ugandan produces milder notes with cocoa fragrances in combination with both sweet and woody aromas. The two original extracts produced in India – Bourbon PIF & Cochin – also offer delicate rosewater fragrances along with spellbinding tropical spice notes ideal for more exotic blends tasteful complexities. Finally, explore some less conventional options such as butterscotch and cherry extracts – perfect when wanting stronger tasting accents that heighten fragrances beyond their traditional boundaries!
Recipes
Using vanilla extract in your candle making projects is a great way to add a unique and inviting scent to your candles. However, it’s important to note that the extract should never be used straight from the bottle into your wax mixture. Instead, here are some ideas for incorporating vanilla extract into your candle making:
1. Vanilla sugar: To create a more intense and complex scent, combine 1 cup sugar with 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract. Stir the two together until combined, and then add the heated sugar syrup to melted wax for an extra sweet fragrance.
2. Infused oil: Put 4-5 tablespoons of almond or coconut oil in a small airtight container, then add 8-10 drops of vanilla extract. Seal and shake well before leaving it aside overnight. The next day, simply strain out any remaining solids before returning the oil mixture to the container and adding it to your wax as usual.
3. Melted concentrate: If you have time to wait and want experienced essential oil users understand that this method can be risky due to unknown purity levels, mix 3 tablespoons of concentrated essential oil with 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Gently heat this mixture over low flame before adding it slowly into melted wax while stirring continuously..
Making Your Own Vanilla Extract From Scratch & Cost Savings
Vanilla extract is a popular addition to many candles, adding a sweet and pleasing scent. One option for incorporating vanilla into a candle making project is to buy pre-made extract. However, this often comes with high costs. An alternative option is to make your own vanilla extract at home from scratch. This can save time and money while also giving you the ability to customize the fragrances according to your own needs and preferences.
One of the biggest advantages of making your own vanilla extract at home is cost savings. Many stores charge exorbitant prices for pre-made extracts, so creating your own instead gives you control over how much money you are spending on supplies. It generally only requires two primary ingredients – vodka and whole vanilla beans – which can both be purchased affordably from grocery stores or online retailers.
In addition, preparing homemade vanilla extract is quite simple. All you need to do is split the beans open lengthwise, submerge them in vodka (or another clear alcohol), seal them in an airtight jar, and let it sit for 4-6 weeks away from direct sunlight until it’s ready to use. During that time, the flavors of the beans steep into the alcohol producing a full-bodied vanilla extract. Additionally, it’s possible to infuse different types of flavors with herbs or spices before submerging them in the vodka if desired!
Troubleshooting
1. Does vanilla extract affect the scent of a candle?
Yes, adding vanilla extract to a candle can impact it’s scent. Not only will it add a faint aroma of vanilla but depending on the type of extract used, it can change and enhance other scents in the candle. For example, using Indonesian Vanilla Extract may intensify the notes of floral and licorice in a citrus-based fragrance oil. As such, if you want to add a slight bit of vanilla or have an all-vanilla scented candle, this is an option that should be explored.
2. Is there such a thing as too much vanilla extract for candles?
Yes, too much vanilla extract will create an overwhelming aroma as well as impart some discoloring to the wax itself. That being said, it is usually recommended to use no more than 0.5 ounces per pound of wax when making candles with vanilla extracts. This amount should provide an adequate level of intensity without causing any undesirable side effects.
3. Are there other ingredients that I should consider when working with vanilla extract for candle making?
Yes, it’s always wise to use stabilizers when working with fragrances containing small amounts of vanillin or ethyl vanillin (the primary compound found in most varieties of pure vanillas and extracts). By doing so you can prevent any chemicals within the fragrance from breaking down prematurely and impacting the life span or scent profile of your finished product over time. In addition, you should also make sure not to heat your wax beyond 190-200″ if your intended recipe includes this additive – otherwise, you may risk burning off the added benefits provided by these additives during production which could result in discoloration and reduced performance from your finished piece over time.
Conclusion
Vanilla extract is the perfect addition to any candle making project due to its immediate effect on the overall scent of the finished product. The natural aroma adds depth and complexity to even simple scents, creating candles that are truly luxurious in their fragrance. The slightly sweet and subtle hue of vanilla extract also helps round out and complete most combinations, creating a more intricate scent profile than may have been attainable without it. Additionally, many manufacturers of essential oils offer pure vanilla-based extracts that provide consistent results every time they are used, ensuring high quality candles with complementary or alluring scents. An age-old classic in perfume production, vanilla extract has increasingly become an easily accessible additive for candle makers looking for complex and interesting scents for their creations. With its distinguished smell and affordable price, this powerful liquid ingredient has secured its place as one of the most popular additives for luxurious candle making projects.
Welcome to my candle making blog! In this blog, I will be sharing my tips and tricks for making candles. I will also be sharing some of my favorite recipes.
