How Long is Vanilla Good For?

[disneyfav4ever]

I found a bottle of vanilla today, that I know is a few years old. It's real vanilla, not that imitation stuff, and it's a big bottle that I know cost around $20, but for whatever reason got shoved back and forgotten about. It's still sealed.

How old is too old to use? Would it be dangerous to use? Or would it just not be as flavorful if I use it in baking?

 

[Diva of Dragons]

You should try contacting the company that made it. I'd be afraid to guess wrong. LOL!

 

[Ohiodislover]

Found this on Wiki answers

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_shelf_life_of_imitation_vanilla_extract


The folks at Nielsen-Massey Vanillas (whose goal, admittedly, is to sell more and more vanilla) say you can keep properly stored vanilla extract for four or five years. Proper storage, they add, implies a tight seal and room temperature.

I'd use it. Of course I used cream for my coffee this morning that expired over the weekend. I like living on the edge--HeHeHe.