Sunday, March 30, 2014

Vanilla From Tahiti grain-free vanilla extract is allergy-free and safe.

100% pure, grain-free, gluten-free, allergy-free, vegan, kosher, Tahitian vanilla extract


Recently, a customer expressed concern about allergen control and cross-contamination in our grain-free vanilla extract. So we asked our extract partner to explain how we keep allergens out of our extract. Here is the reply:
Good Afternoon,

For the very reason that Shank’s has allergens in the facility, we have developed an allergen control plan. We label all allergen-containing raw materials and in-process materials with specific allergen labels in yellow. We identify all allergenic activities and require allergen cleaning in those processes. We have SOPs for the allergen processes, and require allergen training for all employees annually. Allergen containing materials are segregated from non-allergen materials. We are SQF certified annually and our allergen program is reviewed and approved. And finally, after allergen cleaning is completed, the equipment is swabbed tested for protein residues.

In short, we take allergen cross-contamination very seriously and to date, have not had any recall issues involving the same. Below is the statement Shank’s applies to every allergen declaration certificate and you may share this with your customer, if you feel it may alleviate any concerns.

Shank's Extracts, Inc., has an Allergen Plan in place which includes Standard Operating Procedures to ensure there is no cross-contamination of allergens.  These SOPs contain actions addressing segregation of allergen materials and products from non-allergen items, specialized cleaning and sanitation for allergen use equipment, documentation of the allergen process upon batch records and production worksheets, and allergen alert labeling  of raw and processed materials. Additionally, allergen awareness training is scheduled annually for all employees.

Let us know if we can be of further assistance. Customer safety is of utmost concern to us.
Thanks,
Deb

Deborah J. Wood
Shank’s Extracts, Inc. 
Feel better now? Get your 100% pure, grain-free, gluten-free, allergy-free, vegan, kosher, Tahitian vanilla extract here.

Monday, March 17, 2014

A Sweet St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick’s Day is a great opportunity for everyone to get together and eat, laugh, and have fun. We all hope it signals the end of a long winter and helps us look ahead to a fresh new feeling of spring. One great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day is to use Vanilla From Tahiti to add a special flavor to baked treats you make for your loved ones. As the premier source for Tahitian vanilla extract, vanilla bean powder, and Tahitian vanilla food products, all made from the finest Tahitian vanilla beans, Vanilla From Tahiti is your headquarters for St. Patrick’s Day success! 

Chocolate Mint Brownie Trifles: Traditionally, St. Patrick’s Day is filled with corned beef, Irish stew, soda bread, and lots of green beer, which all are delicious ways to enjoy the holiday. But this year, why not mix it up a bit with something sweet? This Chocolate Mint Brownie Trifle from our friends at Bakers Royale is an easy-to-make St. Patrick’s Day dessert that’s ready to serve in just 15 minutes. This tasty treat will be your lucky charm at St. Patrick’s Day parties for years to come.

Vanilla and Lime Marble Cupcakes: This may not sound like an Irish dessert, but these cupcakes are swirled with a bright splash of green batter that makes them a colorful choice perfect for St Patrick’s Day celebrations. There is a splash of green in the frosting as well so you get plenty of color even before you take a bite out of one of these.

SPECIAL GIVEAWAY ALERT: Sally’s Baking Addiction is giving away Vanilla From Tahiti! Author and baker extraordinaire Sally McKenney is giving away our Vanilla From Tahiti on her blog. You could win the same fragrant Tahitian vanilla that professional pastry chefs, chocolatiers, and gelato makers use. You could win the Grand Prize of a Vanilla From Tahiti Gift Set, a $60 value or a Vanilla From Tahiti Sampler, a $20 value. While there check out Sally’s new book, Sally’s Baking Addiction. 

Have a Sweet St. Patrick’s Day! 
Peter Cohen and Hiro Furumoto 

About Vanilla From Tahiti: Vanilla From Tahiti imports only real Tahitian vanilla beans from partners in Raiatea, French Polynesia. The company has become the web’s premier site for pure Tahitian vanilla products, Tahitian vanilla extract, and Tahitian vanilla beans. Vanilla from Tahiti won the prestigious Medaille D’Or Award in 2012 for its array of fine vanilla products. Visit the website and Facebook page or call 805-965-5153 to obtain more information, buy vanilla extract for all your gift-giving needs, or learn more about the Loyalty Rewards Program.

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Sally's Baking Addiction is giving away Vanilla From Tahiti!

Psst! Want in on a little secret? Author and baker extraordinaire Sally McKenney is giving away our Vanilla from Tahiti on her blog, www.SallysBakingAddiction.com. That’s right! You could win the same fragrant Tahitian vanilla that professional pastry chefs, chocolatiers, and gelato makers use. All you have to do is go here to enter. While you’re there check out Sally’s new book, Sally’s Baking Addiction, on sale.

You could win the Grand Prize of a Vanilla From Tahiti Gift Set, a $60 value that includes:
  • Vanille de Tahiti book
  • 2oz Vanilla Extract
  • 7g Ground Vanilla Bean
  • 2 Tahitian Vanilla Beans
  • 125g Vanilla Mustard

The runner up will win a Vanilla From Tahiti Sampler, a $20 value that includes:
  • 2oz Vanilla Extract
  • 7g Ground Vanilla Bean
  • 2 Tahitian Vanilla Beans

Go to Sally’s Baking Addiction for full details and to enter. Good luck!

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Buyer's Guide: How to choose premium vanilla beans

When it comes to buying vanilla there are several things you ought to consider the next time you shop. We thought a little help might be in order. 

Tahitian Vanilla Beans - Buy some now >>


Look for dark, oily, flexible, plump beans with a distinct aroma. Beans are graded A, best for appearance, or B, best for making extract. The color should be almost black. The darker the bean, the better the quality. Minor cracks at the ends of the beans indicate the beans they were harvested at the right time, when the beans were ripe with flavor.

Contrary to popular belief, the white crystalline coating of vanillin that migrates to the surface is not an indicator of quality, but indicates an exchange of air as the beans dry. Note there is no frosty coating in vacuum packed beans because there is no air. To make sure the white coating is indeed vanillin and not mold, run a finger along the coating—if it goes away, it is mold. Don't worry! You can simply discard moldy beans to keep the mold from contaminating the good beans. Insider tip: mold is most often found on Bourbon-Madagascar beans.

Storage Tips! Vanilla should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Don’t refrigerate or freeze vanilla, as the delicate flavor will be lost. Vanilla actually improves with age if stored properly, and will last indefinitely.

We pride ourselves in sourcing top-quality Tahitian vanilla beans. Buy them here.