Reusing the Exhausted: The Second Life of the Pod

A vanilla pod from Madagascar is a treasure, even after the seeds have been removed.

Never throw it away!

The Secret: Lightly rinse the used pod, then let it air dry completely. Once dry and stiff, place it in a jar of granulated sugar or coarse salt.

Usage: In a few weeks, sugar will transform into Chef's Vanilla Sugar for your cakes and coffees, or salt will become a perfect Vanilla Salt to enhance seafood, shellfish, or foie gras.