Whole tonka beans from Brazil

Product description

Discover tonka beans as an intense spice for modern patisserie and creative cuisine. These almond-shaped, deep dark seeds from Brazil offer a warm, complex aroma and are supplied by Biova in convenient kilo packs.

Thanks to their natural content of essential oils, whole tonka beans develop a dense, multi-layered aroma even in small quantities. Biova relies on gentle drying, careful selection and clean processing into broken or whole beans to ensure consistent quality.

In use, tonka beans refine desserts, baked goods, drinks and selected savoury dishes. Finely grated or gently simmered in liquids, they lend creams, ice cream, puddings or sauces a warm, sweet note and work as an intriguing alternative to vanilla.

Origin

Our tonka beans come from Brazil, one of the key growing regions for the tonka tree in South America. The tropical climate with high humidity and abundant sunshine supports a complex, well-balanced aroma profile.

Cultivation / production / harvest

The fruits of the tonka tree are harvested fully ripe by hand. After initial drying, the seeds are removed from the pods, gently dried further, cleaned and packed by Biova as whole, black beans in broken or whole grade for bulk supply.

Special features

Tonka beans are characterised by a high aroma density with notes of vanilla, almond, marzipan, woodruff and hay. Kept whole, the essential oils remain well protected, which improves shelf life and allows precise dosing with a fine grater.

Differences in origin and processing

Depending on region of origin and microclimate, the intensity and nuances of tonka bean aroma vary. Brazilian grades show a balanced, sweet profile that Biova develops into a clean, rounded bouquet without off-notes through careful drying and storage.

Taste & aroma

The aroma is warm, sweet and complex, with clear hints of vanilla, almond and marzipan. On the nose, additional notes of woodruff and dried hay appear; on the palate the spice is intense yet soft and rounded, so only a small amount is needed.

Suggested uses

• Finely grated to flavour desserts such as creams, mousses, puddings or ice cream.
• To enhance biscuits, cakes, cookies and yeast doughs as an aromatic vanilla alternative.
• Briefly simmered in milk, cream, plant-based drinks or cream sauces for coffee, cocoa and dessert sauces.

Product specification

• Country of origin: Brazil
• Grade: broken / whole
• Colour: black