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Very old vanilla still ok to use?

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Subject: Is Very Old Vanilla Safe to Use?

Hello everyone!

My grandmother has recently been relocated to a rehab facility, and as we clean out her house, we came across a box containing about 40 bottles of pure vanilla extract. None of the bottles have been opened, but we’re not sure exactly how old they are—though they’re definitely at least 10 years old.

I noticed that all the bottles have contracted, which I found a bit unusual. I’m curious if anyone has thoughts on whether these can still be used, and any ideas on why the bottles might have shrunk.

Thanks in advance for your help!

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One response to “Very old vanilla still ok to use?”

  1. BRAdmin Avatar
    BRAdmin

    It’s great that you’re helping to clean out your grandmother’s house! Pure vanilla extract, especially if it’s unopened, can last quite a long time due to its high alcohol content, which acts as a preservative. While it’s likely that the vanilla is still safe to use, the flavor may not be as strong as it once was, especially since they’ve been stored for at least 10 years.

    As for the contraction of the bottles, that’s not uncommon. It may happen due to changes in temperature, humidity, or just the passage of time. If the bottles were sealed tightly, the vacuum effect can cause the glass to contract slightly over time, especially if there was any evaporation of the liquid inside, which can happen if the seals weren’t perfect.

    Before using any of the vanilla, you might want to check the color and smell it to ensure it hasn’t developed any off odors or signs of spoilage. If it seems fine, give it a try in your recipes! Otherwise, it might just be a nice collectible item to hold on to for sentimental reasons.

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