Tonka beans | whole | 2-3 cm | origin: Brazil

Few spices enchant us more than the almond-shaped seeds of the Tonka tree. The essential oils of the Tonka beans give off a fragrance of almonds, vanilla, woodruff and fresh hay and enchant our senses. The spice should have an eroticizing and even hypnotic effect. Tonka beans are often used as a substitute for vanilla. Due to its very special character with a fine and harsh note, however, the Tonka bean should not be reduced to sweet dishes only. The original home of the Tonka bean is Venezuela. From there the Tonka tree has spread naturally over large parts of South America. Besides Venezuela, the main growing areas today are mainly the north of Brazil, Guyana or Surinam. In South America, the plant is said to have healing powers and is used as a lucky charm. In Europe, the tonka bean was temporarily banned as a foodstuff due to its coumarin content. The ban was lifted in 1991, but only in recent years has it established itself as an absolute trend seasoning. As a spice Tonka should be dosed very sparingly. Depending on the application, for milk-based desserts, it is recommended to boil the beans in milk for a few minutes or rub them down a little with a grater.