Tonka bean
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| Tonka bean | ||||||||||||||||||
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 Tonka Beans
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| Dipteryx odorata (Aublet) Willd. |
The tonka bean is the seed of Dipteryx odorata, a legume tree in the neotropics, of the Fabaceae family. The seed is black and wrinkled in appearance, with a smooth brown interior. Its fragrance is reminiscent of vanilla, almonds, cinnamon, and cloves. It had been used as a vanilla substitute, as a perfume, and in tobacco before being banned in some countries. Its use in food is banned in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration.[1] It is featured in some French cuisine, particularly in desserts and stews.
The seed contains the anticoagulant coumarin, which can be lethal in large doses. Many anticoagulant prescription drugs, such as warfarin, are based on coumarin.
The plant has its origin in Northern South America (Guyana, Orinoco region). Main producers today are Venezuela and also Nigeria.
[edit] References
- ^ "2006 CFR Title 21, Volume 3". http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2006/aprqtr/21cfr189.130.htm. Retrieved on 2009-07-06.
