Antonio Mcgowan
Vanilla is known for its calming scent, and it can be used to make homemade incense. Vanilla flowers, vanilla beans, or vanilla powder can be used to make loose incense. Vanilla extract can also be used, but it is important to check the ingredient list for additives that may interfere with the smell. To make incense, one must first assemble the necessary tools and supplies, such as a coffee grinder, and choose a recipe with ingredients that complement vanilla. The dry ingredients are then mixed together, and the resins are added separately before being combined with the dry mixture. The final step is to grind and mix the ingredients, and test the aroma by burning the incense on charcoal, a trail, or a stove.
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What You'll Learn
Using vanilla extract in incense
Vanilla extract can be used in incense, but it is important to check the ingredient list for any additives that may interfere with the smell. If it is just alcohol, it should be fine. However, using vanilla bean powder is also an option and may be preferable as vanilla extract contains alcohol, which is toxic to cats.
To make incense with vanilla extract, you will need to gather your tools and supplies. This includes bamboo charcoal or makko powder, tweezers or tongs, mica, a coffee grinder, and two mixing bowls or food-grade plastic bags. You will also need to choose a recipe and gather the necessary ingredients. It is recommended to start with a simple recipe and expand from there as you become more comfortable with the process.
Begin by pulverizing your dry ingredients, such as herbs and woods, into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle. If using a coffee grinder, it is important to note that electric ones can generate too much heat, causing the loss of vital chemicals from the ingredients. For this reason, a hand crank coffee grinder is preferable. Woods are particularly difficult to pulverize with a mortar and pestle and may require the use of a coffee grinder. To avoid overheating and preserve delicate volatile oils, you can freeze your ingredients before grinding.
Once your dry ingredients are powdered, mix them together in one of the mixing bowls or plastic bags. Separately, mix all your resins together, then add this mixture to the dry mixture and combine thoroughly. Finally, add your vanilla extract to the mixture and blend once more.
At this point, you can heat your incense mixture to test its aroma and make any necessary adjustments. It is recommended to let the mixture sit overnight before testing. You can heat the mixture over charcoal, on mica on top of charcoal or ash with hot charcoal underneath, or on top of makko. If you are making incense sticks or cones, there are additional steps to follow.
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Grinding vanilla beans
Vanilla beans can be dried and ground to make vanilla powder, which is a stronger and more potent alternative to vanilla extract. The powder can be used in baking, desserts, and coffee.
To make vanilla powder, start by drying the vanilla beans. This can be done by leaving them on a counter for 3 weeks, baking them in the oven at 65°C for about an hour, baking them in the oven at 150°F for 1-1.5 hours, baking them in the oven at 350°F for 5-8 minutes, or microwaving them for 10-30 seconds. The beans should be dried but not burnt, and they will become more brittle as they cool.
Once the beans are dried, cut them into smaller pieces and grind them into a powder using a coffee grinder, spice grinder, food processor, or mortar and pestle. The powder can be stored in an airtight container for 3-6 months.
To make vanilla sugar, combine the ground vanilla bean powder with powdered sugar and a pinch of corn flour to prevent clumping. This can be used in baking, syrups, and other recipes.
Vanilla powder can also be used to make incense. When making incense, it is important to consider the grinder you use to crush the materials into a fine powder. A mortar and pestle can be used but may not produce a fine enough grind for certain ingredients. A blender, such as a Blend-tec, can be used to achieve a finer powder, but it may heat up and cook the incense, altering the scent and consistency. Freezing the incense ingredients before grinding can help prevent this issue.
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Other ingredients to mix with vanilla
Vanilla extract can be used to make incense, but it is important to check the ingredient list for any additives that might interfere with the smell. It is also worth noting that vanilla bean powder or essential oils might be preferable.
When making incense, it is important to include a base and a binder. The base material replaces the charcoal or other outside heat source used in non-combusting forms of incense. Good base materials burn well and evenly. Sandalwood, cedar, and pine are all excellent bases that can add a strong scent to your incense blend. However, some bases, like sandalwood, have very prominent scents of their own, so choosing a base with a complementary scent is important.
Binders are used to hold the incense together. Gum binders, such as guar gum or xanthan gum, are more powerful than wood binders and do not add any scent of their own. A typical incense recipe uses just 1/8 teaspoon of binder for every 2 tablespoons of material. Water or another water-based liquid must be added to the blend to "activate" the binder. While essential oils do not contain water, they can be used to supplement the amount of water in the blend.
In addition to the base and binder, you will need aromatic ingredients to give your incense its scent. Aromatic herbs, resins, and woods all have wonderful aromatic properties. Frankincense, benzoin, and patchouli are commonly used aromatic ingredients.
Other ingredients that can be mixed with vanilla in incense include:
- Lemongrass
- Rosemary
- Lavender
- Marshmallow root powder
- Gum binders
- Essential oils
- Frankincense
- Benzoin
- Patchouli
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Testing the aroma of vanilla incense
Testing the aroma of your vanilla incense is an important step in the incense-making process. Here is a guide on how to do it:
Prepare the Vanilla Incense
Firstly, prepare your vanilla incense mixture. If you are using vanilla beans, scrape out the inside and add it to your mixture. You can also use vanilla powder or extract, but be mindful of any additives that might interfere with the smell. It is important to use high-quality natural ingredients to create fine aromatic incense.
Choose a Burning Method
There are several ways to burn and test the aroma of your vanilla incense:
- Charcoal: You can burn the incense directly on charcoal or on mica placed on top of charcoal.
- Trail: This method involves burning the incense on a trail or stove, allowing you to slowly examine the fragrance without burning or charring it.
- Makko: Makko powder is needed if you are making cones or sticks, and it can also be used for burning loose incense.
Test the Aroma
Once you have chosen a burning method, proceed with burning and testing the aroma of your vanilla incense. Take note of the fragrance and how the different ingredients blend together. If you are using the stove method, you can slowly examine the layers of fragrance without worrying about burning the incense.
Adjust and Perfect
After testing, you may need to adjust your recipe based on your preferences. You can add or change ingredients that "'mix well'" with vanilla, such as benzoin, cinnamon, sandalwood, or tonka beans. Remember to let your mixture sit overnight after making any adjustments, then re-test the aroma to ensure it meets your desired fragrance.
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Tools and supplies for making vanilla incense
To make vanilla incense, you will need a variety of tools and supplies, some of which you may already have in your kitchen. Here is a list of the essential items you will need:
Grinders and Blenders
A good grinder is essential for making incense, as you will need to powder many of your ingredients. A mortar and pestle is a common choice, but it can be time-consuming and may not grind your ingredients finely enough, especially if you are working with resins or oils. Freezing your ingredients before grinding can help, and some people recommend using a granite mortar and pestle, as soft resins may stick to it less. However, for a finer powder, you may want to invest in a blender. A Blend-tec blender is a popular choice, as it spins fast enough to create a fine dust, but it can get hot and may "cook" your incense. A Braun ZK100 food chopper/blender/grinder is another option, although it will not grind large amounts at once, and it will heat up. For a lot of material at once, a hammer mill is a good choice, but it is expensive.
Measuring Tools
Measuring by weight is recommended for consistency, so you will need a scale that can measure as little as 0.1 gram. If measuring by volume, you will need measuring spoons (1/4 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, and 1 tbsp) and measuring cups for larger batches.
Mixing Bowl and Dropper
Once you have your ingredients, you will need a mixing bowl to combine them. Use a dropper to add your fragrance oils to the bowl, gently mixing them to ensure even distribution.
Incense Sticks or Cones
You will need unscented incense sticks or cones as your base. You can add your chosen fragrance oils to these.
Incense Burner
To burn your incense, you will need a fireproof incense burner. This can be a ceramic or metal cup or bowl, a large sea shell, or a rock with a natural bowl form. If using a ceramic or metal burner, choose one with legs or feet to allow for airflow and protection from heat.
Base Material
Most incense burners work best and are safest when filled halfway to three-quarters with a base material such as ash, sand, crushed rock, or sea salt. This reduces the heat the burner will absorb and give off. White chaff ash is a good option, as it works for burning sticks, cones, pellets, or loose incense, and allows for air circulation.
Charcoal
If you are not using a base material, you can place a lit incense charcoal in your burner and sprinkle your incense on top. Look for chemical-free natural charcoals made of bamboo or natural roots. Tweezers can be useful for handling the charcoals safely.
With these tools and supplies, you will be well-equipped to start making your own vanilla incense!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use vanilla grinds to make incense. You can use vanilla flowers, vanilla beans, or pure natural vanilla powder. You can also use vanilla extract, but some people advise against it if there are additives that might interfere with the smell.
You will need a coffee grinder, blender, or mortar and pestle to grind your ingredients into a powder. You will also need a mixing bowl or food-grade plastic bags, and charcoal, trail, or a stove to burn your incense.
You can use a variety of aromatic ingredients such as woods, resins, herbs, flowers, spices, wine, honey, dried fruits, and fragrant hydrosols. It is recommended to use at least one resin or wood in your mixture as a base.
First, choose a recipe and gather your ingredients. Then, grind and mix your ingredients. Next, test burn the incense on charcoal, trail, or a stove to see if you like the aroma. Finally, adjust and test the recipe until you are satisfied.
You can find incense recipes online or in books. A good place to start is to choose a single ingredient you love, such as vanilla, and then find ingredients that "mix well with" vanilla, such as benzoin, cinnamon, cloves, or sandalwood.
