Good question that I do not have the answer to...but I put some vanilla beans in vodka, forgot about them and two years later, is it still good? I think yes but....

No, the vanilla vodka after two years isn't good. It's better, LOL.

Carol

So what happens if we soak OURSELVES in vodka? Eternal youth?

That's known as getting pickled.

Jim

I'm a couple of years behind ya Tucker!
I just put my vanilla beans in vodka about 4 weeks ago.........

Getting pickled doesn't sound all that bad......

Deanna

I can think of worse ways to go.

just be sure you use the good stuff ...

My vanilla beans in vodka will turn one in November. Although I confess to topping up mid-year. It does keep getting darker.

I sure don't have any information on doing this. I would contact Elizabeth Andress at the National Center for Home Food Preservation if I were you. She is considered the leading authority on safe home food preservation. She is a very gracious lady and willing to answer all questions via email.

Melly,
Did you "top up" yourself or the vodka bottle??? Both?

Hee hee........

DARFC
Deanna

Sounds like a good idea linda lou... Do you have that email address handy?

Thanks for the tip :)

Just click on where it says information request form on this link.

Here is a link that might be useful: Information request form.

Well, I contacted them and recieved an answer today...
>>>"
Thank you for visiting the National Center for Home Food Preservation.
> You were highly recommended when the message boards at gardenweb could not provide the information I was looking for. I am looking for information about preserving vegatables (peppers) in alcohol.

I am sorry, but I am not the source for this information. We do not recommend preserving peppers in alcohol, and have no experience nor have we seen any research to support doing this safely.
USDA has not recommendations for preserving foods in alcohol, and we follow USDA recommendations.
In my literature searches I have never seen this researched with public information and guidance available.
Sorry! Our recommendation is to not do it, and to use the available properly tested methods of preservation for peppers or any vegetables.
Elizabeth Andress
>>"

I pulled out a beautiful book I bought several years back: "Preserved", printed in England, It briefly covers all kinds of preservation from smoking to air exclusion -- potted shrimp anyone?. They do a lot of things frowned on (or downright advised against) by the USDA and NCHFP.
But what they do NOT do is give any information on preserving VEGETABLES in alcohol. Some great sounding fruit alcohol-preserved recipes, but no low-acid foods in alcohol, just in various kinds of vinegar.
I wonder if the preservation qualities of booze evaporates with heat along with the alcohol.
Maybe short-term refrigerated marination in alcohol?
Kay

My Grandpappy put plums and damson and other fruit in his white lighten' and had no problems preserving it......

I found this page really helpful answering the same questions you asked above. I relise that I am 6 years behind you... but better late than never :)
http://www.dweckdata.com/Published_papers/Natural_Preservative.pdf