How to add vanilla bean

[ozziej]

I intend to add vanilla bean as part of my porter recipe- planning on picking some up at the local market, but how should I sanitize them before adding to the wort? I live in Peru so this is obviously a very critical step for me!
Cheers

 

[barmyarmy]

It depends on the type of flavor you want from the bean. Some will tell you to add in the boil or flame out, but when I add fruit and whole spices I put in secondary. Take a cup of beer from primary and bring to a boil. Cut the vanilla beans down the middle and throw them into the cup of beer and heat for a few minutes. Throw this in the secondary and rack on top of it. Done and done.

 

[rcsoccer]

Some people will soak the vanilla bean(s) in vodka/bourbon/whiskey/etc. for a few days to not only sanitize, but also extract the vanilla. The primary vanilla flavor compound (vanillin) is a hydrophobic, organic compound which is only soluble in a high percentage of alcohol or hydrophobic organic solvents. You could soak it in your choice of liquor for a couple of days and then pour the liquid and bean in the secondary. Just my opinion.

Cheers!