What’s the difference between a vanilla bean pod and vanilla extract?

Vanilla extract is made by macerating chopped vanilla bean pods in alcohol, which extracts the flavors and fragrances from the bean.

Look for pure vanilla extract, which must contain 13.35 ounces of vanilla beans per gallon during extraction and 35 percent alcohol. Beans and extract are interchangeable in most recipes, one whole vanilla bean is equivalent to one tablespoon of extract.