How to Make Imitation Maple Extract
"Maple extract" is almost a misnomer. The term implies that extracts of oils are taken from the maple tree and collected for use as a flavoring, when in fact most maple extracts are an imitation since the process of extracting the maple essence from a tree is very technical and labor-intensive. Instead, the chemicals that taste and smell like maple are extracted from a somewhat common seed. You can make your own imitation maple-flavored extract with a few simple ingredients and a little time. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Fenugreek seeds, 2 oz.
- Coffee/spice grinder
- Glass jar
- Vodka or rum, 4 oz.
- Vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon
Instructions
-
-
1
Fenugreek seeds smell like maple. Warm the fenugreek seeds slightly in a dry pan. This will bring out the maple flavors and intensify the smell. Be careful not to toast the seeds or the extract will end up tasting bitter. Shake the seeds as they warm.
-
2
Use a clean coffee grinder. Grind the warm seeds in a coffee/spice grinder free of residue from coffee beans or spices. They should be finely ground so that the alcohol can extract the essential compounds from the tissues of the seeds. Shake as you grind to keep the ground seeds from packing at the bottom of the grinder.
-
-
3
Clear vodka or rum will extract the maple flavor from the seeds. Pour the finely ground fenugreek seeds into a glass jar and cover them with the vodka or rum. Stir until it is flowing freely, then cover. Store in a room-temperature place out of the sunlight for at least two weeks and up to three months. Shake once a day to keep it mixed up.
-
4
Store your maple-flavored extract in a small bottle. Strain the ground seeds from the liqueur by pouring the mixture through a finely meshed cloth, such as cheesecloth. Pour the clear liquid along with the vanilla extract into a small bottle. Cap and store it with other spices and flavorings.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit melting butter pancakes image by Ray Kasprzak from Fotolia.com Fenugreek in White Bowl 2 image by Leena Damle from Fotolia.com Coffee grinder image by NBo from Fotolia.com vodka glass image by Pali A from Fotolia.com little bottle image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
