Here we show you how to open, split, and scrape a whole vanilla bean in 4 easy steps!
Step 1 – Put the vanilla beans on a cutting board with their flat side down, facing away from you. The curled tip will be pointing toward the left- hand side of the cutting board.
Step 2 – Place the tip of your sharp knife in the middle of the vanilla bean, slightly below the curled top.
Step 3 – Carefully cut into the vanilla bean while you hold the top down on the board. Use your left index finger and thumb to hold it. Only slice the top layer of the bean. Do not cut through to the other side. Slice along the middle until you get to the end.
If you are using the bean whole, like to make extract, you are done. The bean is split.
Step 4 – If your recipe requires the vanilla bean seeds or caviar to be removed, pull apart the vanilla bean, slightly. Hold the bean on the cutting board. Turn the knife sideways and run the blade from the curled top to the bottom of the vanilla bean. The caviar will easily slide off the vanilla bean skin onto your knife in a thick, gooey lump.
See, I told you that it would be easy! When you scrape a vanilla bean it is always a perfect opportunity for a few creative photos. Be sure to share them with us below!
20 thoughts on “How to Split and Scape a Whole Vanilla Bean - Easy 4 Step Guide”
Mary Bolden
I ordered vanilla beans a d they are wonderful. Fast shipping a d the beans are very fragrant. Thank you VBK.
Diane
I just received the Vanilla Bean kit. I cannot wait to make and use this extremely good vanilla. The vanilla beans are Grade A and smell so good! Very fast shipping and packaged very well. Thank You Vanilla Bean Kings
Farmer
Fascinating website and some great information. I’m just now starting an extraction and can’t wait until its “ready”.
Vanilla Bean Kings
Thanks for your kind words Gail! We truly believe our vanilla is some of the absolute best you will find online. Also a big thanks from purchasing from us directly instead of through Amazon. It really helps our small business save money by not having to pay the giants to sell on their platform :) As a token of our thanks,, you can use coupon code THANKYOU10 on your next purchase for 10% off
VBK
Gail Rudgers
I want to tell you, your beans are top quality beans! I have been buying beans your beans through Amazon to make Homemade Vanilla since last summer! They are the plumped, most fragrant and perfect beans! I had to write and tell you how much I appreciate your product! Sincerely, Gail Rudgers p.s. I’ve purchased from another company on Amazon and the beans were dry, tough not worth the money I paid!