Vanilla Bean - Is soaking really necessary?

[pkrath84]

The consensus on using vanilla beans seems to be to soak them in some spirits for at least a few hours to sanitize.

...is this really necessary? Who out there drops them straight in? I figure since fermentation will have been done (i'm making a stout) the alcohol from the beer would be enough to take care of nasties.

Cheers

 

[honreth]

My understanding was to crush/bruise them and soak them in flavorless vodka... then pitch the vodka in.. Maybe I misread?

 

[funnycreature]

Vodka will not only help with reducing the bacterial load but also with extraction of flavors. It is not necessary though. Just make sure you scrape out the black stuff inside so it can disperse nicely when you put it into your brew. Add the beans too just because. Key is to have lush moist beans not these rubbery dry things.