Arts &Crafts, How-To's, Upcycling & Repurposing

Almond extract dates back to ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians and Romans. In the 16th century they were using almond extract in baked goods. Now fast forward to the 19th century, the production of almond extract became more commercialized.

Now, here’s where things get interesting. While almond extract is often assumed to be made from almonds, the reality is that many commercial almond extracts contain very little, if any almonds.

The main ingredient in almond extract? It’s cassia oil or cinnamon oil. which gives the extract a very similar flavor. Other ingredients are:

• Sweet almond oil
• Corn syrup
• Ethanol
• Propylene glycol
• Artificial flavorings and sweeteners

The reasoning behind this doesn’t surprise me… cost & availability, flavor profile, shelf life and stabilization.

Natural Almond Extract

VS

Artificial Almond Extract

Natural almond extract is made from actual almonds, while artificial almond extract is made from alternative ingredients like cassia oil or cinnamon oil.

Supplies & ingredients needed:

For soaking the almonds you will need:

• Container w/ lid

• Water

• Paper towels

• strainer

• 1/4 cup Almonds

Making the extract you will need:

• Vodka

• Funnel

• Jar with lid

• Your now blanched almonds

Supplies for step 5:

• 4 oz bottle with lid

• Milk bag/sieve

• Bowl

• Label & pen

Step 1:

Soak your almonds in water overnight. With the container , put the almonds in and add just enough water to cover the almonds.

Next Day….

Step 2:

Using the strainer, drain the water from the almonds.

*This step is optional*

Blanch the almonds. Peel the outer skin off the almonds and put the almonds in the jar. This is easier to do when they are still wet, the skin slides off.

Step 3:

After the almonds are peeled put all the almonds into the jar. I did not peel my almonds. I figured if some skin comes off during the 4 weeks it’s in the jar/bottle, you have to sieve it anyways to get the almonds out.

Next, add approx. 1/3 cup of vodka in the jar.

Step 4:

Put the bottle in a cabinet and wait it out for 2-4 weeks.

Step 5

After the 2-4 weeks are up,

Put the sieve/bag into the bowl with the sides of the bag/sieve hanging over the outside of the bowl.

Next, pour the contents (almonds & extract) of the jar into the sieve.

At this point we are done with the almonds.

With a funnel over the bottle, pour the extract into the bottle, close lid and label it.

Sounds like a lot but it’s really not.

**Total time: 20-25 minutes

Soak almonds- 2 minutes

Soak overnight

Blanching the almonds – 5-10 minutes

Make the extract- 5 minutes tops.

Straining the almonds out – 3-4 minutes.

Enjoy baking with your homemade extract!!