Hi, Joe. You ask a good question. Your vanilla extract will still infuse with flavor even if you don't split the bean. However, the process will be much faster and you'll end up with a darker color if you split the bean before adding it to the alcohol. The vanilla seeds contain much of the vanilla flavor, so exposing them directly to the liquid ensures a flavorful extract. If your extract isn't very dark or flavorful at this point, you can pull out the beans, split them, and return them to their jars. Only do this if you're not satisfied with the color and flavor of your extract as it is now. Try giving it a taste; mix 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in 6 ounces of whole milk and taste. If it's vanilla-forward and delicious, your vanilla is done! Try splitting your beans in the next batch of extract you make. Good luck! Kye@KAF

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