Tonka beans

The Tonka bean is the seed contained in the fruit of the Brazilian Teak, a tree that can reach 30m in height, and which grows in the Caribbean as well as in South America. The seeds are harvested after the fruit has dried, which is not picked, but which naturally falls from the tree when ripe. Rich in coumarin, it is this substance that partly gives it this bewitching scent of vanilla and bitter almond. However, it should be used sparingly because of its aromatic power, but also because coumarin can be toxic in high doses. Grated, it perfumes creams and pairs wonderfully with chocolate, fruit, maple syrup, sweet potato and pumpkin.