Here we show you how to open, split, and scrape a whole vanilla bean in 4 easy steps!
Step 1 – Put the vanilla beans on a cutting board with their flat side down, facing away from you. The curled tip will be pointing toward the left- hand side of the cutting board.
Step 2 – Place the tip of your sharp knife in the middle of the vanilla bean, slightly below the curled top.
Step 3 – Carefully cut into the vanilla bean while you hold the top down on the board. Use your left index finger and thumb to hold it. Only slice the top layer of the bean. Do not cut through to the other side. Slice along the middle until you get to the end.
If you are using the bean whole, like to make extract, you are done. The bean is split.
Step 4 – If your recipe requires the vanilla bean seeds or caviar to be removed, pull apart the vanilla bean, slightly. Hold the bean on the cutting board. Turn the knife sideways and run the blade from the curled top to the bottom of the vanilla bean. The caviar will easily slide off the vanilla bean skin onto your knife in a thick, gooey lump.
See, I told you that it would be easy! When you scrape a vanilla bean it is always a perfect opportunity for a few creative photos.
23 thoughts on “How to Split and Scape a Whole Vanilla Bean - Easy 4 Step Guide”
Lori Johnson
I absolutely love your vanilla beans. I got through my first Christmas with using it as gifts and for my baking. It felt as if I was giving my babies away. I’ve seen people say that you can use the beans twice so I am trying it, only thing I am waisting is good vodka and rum. If nothing else, I will have vanilla flavored vodka and rum! And please explain something about what you use vanilla sugar for. I keep making it but don’t know what to do with it. Thanks so much.
Alice Brockman
When scraping the seeds can they be planted? Also I apologize for the other rude comments. You don’t deserve the ugly.
Garden Gurl
Please fix your headline—scrape, not scape. You mention a good opportunity for photos. Would be helpful if you had photos of each step.
Susan Zitrin Rapoport
Question: my vanilla in the jar with all the beans is very dark and black, when I pour into a small jar it looks kinda of blonde color?? Does this means it’s not ready or just lighter in color because it’s smaller volume?
Look forward to your answer
Denise
Scape? I think you mean SCRAPE. Sorry, couldn’t help myself. Please correct this?