Organic tonka beans | ground

Hardly any other spice enchants us more than the almond-shaped seed 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 is said to 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. Venezuela is the original home of the Tonka bean. 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 it has only become an absolute trend seasoning in recent years.