Difference Between Almond and Vanilla Extract

Almond vs Vanilla Extract

Almond extract and vanilla extract are flavouring ingredients that are widely used in savoury or sweet dishes and other foods. The name itself denotes the difference between almond extract and vanilla extract ‘“ one is almond and one is vanilla.

One of the main differences seen between almond extract and vanilla extract is in the flavour. When almond extract gives a strong almond flavour to the dishes, the vanilla extract gives a mild vanilla flavour. In comparison to almond extracts, vanilla extracts give a warm, honey like flavor and taste to the recipes. When comparing almond extract and vanilla extract, the former one comes in strong flavour than the other.

The almond extract is highly concentrated and more potent than the vanilla extract. This means that only small amounts of almond extract is needed for adding flavours. Generally, almond extracts are used in place of vanilla extracts as the latter one comes costly. In case of replacing vanilla abstract with almond extract, you should only add half the amount of almond extract as much as vanilla extract.

The manufacturing of the two extracts is almost similar. Alcohol is used in both
almond extract and vanilla extract. It is used mainly as a binding agent for preserving the flavour’s strength. Combining almond oil with alcohol gives almond extract. In vanilla extract, the vanilla beans are combined with alcohol, especially vodka as it has a natural flavour. Though other alcohols such as gin, brandy and rum are used, vodka is the most common one used. Apart from the natural almond extract and the vanilla extract, one can also come across artificial almond and vanilla extracts, which does not have the bitterness of alcohol.

Summary
When almond extract gives a strong almond flavour to the dishes, the vanilla extract gives a mild vanilla flavour. In comparison to almond extracts, vanilla extracts give a warm, honey like flavor and taste to the recipes.
The almond extract is highly concentrated than the vanilla extract. This means that only small amounts of almond extract is needed for adding flavours.
The almond extract is more potent than vanilla extract.
Generally, almond extracts are used in place of vanilla extracts as the latter one comes costly.
Combining almond oil with alcohol gives almond extract. In vanilla extract, the vanilla beans are combined with alcohol, especially vodka as it has a natural flavour.

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