The Difference Between Premium Quality Vanilla Beans and Vanilla Extract

At first glance, vanilla extract and premium-quality vanilla beans may seem like they would produce similar results in your baking. After all, they both contain vanillin, the compound that gives vanilla its characteristic flavor. However, there are actually some significant differences between these two ingredients that can make a big impact on the flavor and quality of your final product. Here's a closer look at the difference between premium-quality vanilla beans and vanilla extract.

What are Vanilla Beans?