What does tonka bean smell like? Interesting things about perfumes

Dipteryx fragrant is a tree from the genus Dipteryx of the Legume family, growing in the tropics of South America, especially in Bolivia, Brazil, Guyana, Peru and Venezuela.

Inside the fruit of Dipteryx fragrant is one black wrinkled seed 3-4 cm long and 1 cm wide. These seeds have a pleasant aroma reminiscent of vanilla, almond, cinnamon and cloves and are sold under the names tonka bean, kumaruna, sumbaru, sarrapia, tuga.

The frequent use of tonka beans in the manufacture of perfumes is caused by the hypnotically eroticizing effect attributed to them. They flavor pipe tobacco, and fresh shavings are used as incense.

IN South America It is believed that the plant has magical and healing powers and talismans made from it bring good luck, protect against diseases and make wishes come true.

Because of its vanilla-like taste, tonka beans and the coumarin they contain are used as a cheap substitute for real vanilla called “Mexican vanilla.”

In very small quantities, tonka is added as a seasoning to desserts, the main component of which is often poppy seeds or coconut, and they are used to season muffins and pies. For desserts based on cream or milk, the beans are brewed for about 10 minutes to release their flavor, and they can be brewed up to 10 times. Tonka beans are also added to rum.

There is an assumption that the coumarin contained in tonka beans is an oncogene, which causes a reduction in their consumption.

In 1981, in Germany, this plant was completely prohibited for use in the manufacture of food products. Since 1991, this ban has been partially lifted, but there remains a restriction on maximum content coumarin in products, which is 2 mg per kg.

Coumarin is also used in medicine as it is an anticoagulant, but in large doses this substance can cause death. It is also used as a cardiac stimulant, although it must be used with caution.

The wood of this tree is used under the name kumaru. The following names are also in use: cumaru verdadeiro, muimapage, coemaroe, tonka, cayenne guaiac, shihuahuaco, visguero, iesguero. Having a beautiful texture due to complex pattern fibers, cumaru wood has no visible growth rings. The heartwood is a uniform grayish-brown color, without stripes, the sapwood is cream-colored.

Tonka bean absolute is used as a fixative and fragrance in oriental and chypre perfumes.

Tonka beans are the fruit of a plant called Dipteryx aromatics, which grows in the tropics. The tree is very tall, has large leaves and beautiful purple flowers. The round green fruits of this tree are supplied from Bolivia, Peru, Venezuela, Brazil to Europe and America for subsequent processing. In medicine, cosmetology and perfumery, the seeds of Dipteryx aromatica are used - black, wrinkled and quite large. They have a strong bright aroma and vanilla-caramel flavor. Very often, tonka beans are found under names such as kumarun, sumbaru, sarrapia and tagua. Tonka beans produce a wonderful smell thanks to coumarin, which appears on their surface in the form of crystals during fermentation and drying of the seeds. Coumarin is credited with a hypnotic effect. IN South Africa Tonka beans are worshiped as magical talismans that bring good luck and prosperity.

Tonka bean found widespread use in the manufacture of perfumes, in the tobacco industry, and in the production of rum. The aroma of beans is multifaceted, complex, sweet and warm. It contains shades of prunes, caramel, vanilla, and freshly cut hay. Tonka beans combine harmoniously with many ingredients; they sound especially beautiful when combined with cinnamon and sage.

"Akaba", unisex eau de parfum from Antonio Visconti, France

lovely and sweet aroma resembles a solar elixir created on the basis of young and fragrant honey from herbs. Tonka beans and vanilla give it such a rich flavor, and in order to completely turn heads and win the hearts of men and women, smoky woody notes and shades of tobacco were woven into the formula. The perfume slowly conveys its aura - dark and deep, the heat of its notes. He takes the imagination to the world of the East with its wondrous incense, deceptive serenity and undisguised passion. The composition also contains patchouli, lemon, sandalwood, agarwood, cedar, artemisia and licorice.

"Amaranthine" Eau de Toilette for women from Penhaligon`s, England, published 2009

Harmonious and expensive perfume with an exquisite sillage and excellent longevity. Its notes will captivate you with a delicate spicy beginning, a subtle floral cloud and a powdery flavor, gentle tones milk, which favorably highlight all the components and give it some intimacy. The fragrance is intended for true ladies, which, nevertheless, are not devoid of freshness of perception and are always ready for cute and cheerful mischief. The miniature contains coriander, cardamom, tea, cloves, freesia, jasmine, ylang-ylang, orange blossom, rose, sandalwood, musk, vanilla, milk and tonka bean.

“Black”, eau de toilette for men from Kiton, Italy, published 2007

The fragrance readily demonstrates its Italian roots. It sounds temperamental, bright and luxurious. His charisma makes a man always be in shape. The composition is so beautiful that to the sound of prestigious notes it is simply necessary to demonstrate your best sides and quality so as not to come into dissonance with this enchanting and elegant perfume. The miniature contains bergamot, lime, cardamom, violet, berries, cedar, leather, vetiver, amber and tonka bean.

“Baume Tolu”, unisex eau de toilette from Esteban, France, published 2010

Deep iridescent shades are like the most expensive velvet. The aroma will give you unforgettable moments: a bright tangerine beginning, framed by sparkles of pink pepper and green tones of Indian wormwood, intoxicating and bitter motifs of calendula, marigold and immortelle, tolu balsam, vanilla and tonka bean in a base with the flavor of Jamaican rum. Luxurious notes swirl in a passionate, bewitching dance, awakening different facets of sensuality in men and women. The composition also contains artemisia.

“Eaudemoiselle de Givenchy”, eau de toilette for women from Givenchy, France, published 2010

This scent evokes luxurious emotions. Its shades represent casual elegance and sophisticated style, seduction and flirtation. He tempts with his sensuality, but keeps him at a distance with his impeccability and unsurpassed aesthetics. Every woman, wearing slightly bitter notes, immediately becomes beautiful, sophisticated, aristocratic. Citruses organically complement the rose, and the perfume sounds fresh and clean. The composition contains basil, lemon, ylang-ylang, rose, ambrette, orange blossom, hibiscus, musk, cedar and tonka bean.

“Inferno e Paradiso”, unisex eau de parfum from Neotantric, Sweden, published 2010

The fragrance represents the duality of our world: light and darkness, joy and sadness, dignity and provocation, hell and heaven. The composition has a dramatic and multifaceted character. Everyone will find in it those unique notes that the best way represent his worldview. The miniature contains bergamot, saffron, black pepper, cedar, incense, patchouli, plum, sandalwood, amber and tonka bean.

“J’aime Precious”, eau de parfum for women from La Perla, Italy, published 2008

The sweet tones of “J’aime Precious” tease and tempt. The aroma intertwines playful shades of tropical fruits and strawberries, roses, jasmine and vanilla, pink pepper and nutmeg. Sparkling notes shimmer, flicker with joy and light. Such a refined aura will greatly enhance the attractiveness of a woman, and enthusiastic sighs will follow her. The perfume also contains bergamot, orange, pear, patchouli and tonka bean.

"Lavandula", unisex eau de toilette from Penhaligon's, England, created in 2002

An elegant and delicate scent with lace notes for pleasure and dreams. Designed for men and women with impeccable, aesthetically developed taste. A drop of perfume can be compared to a crystal ball of marvelous transparency and purity, which reflects a garden fragrant with flowers, a gazebo in the shade with beautiful stained glass windows, a snow-white tablecloth on the table and a bouquet of lavender in an exquisite vessel. The composition contains cinnamon, pepper, basil, sage, lavender, vanilla, amber and tonka bean.

“Loukhoum Parfum du Soir”, perfume for women from Keiko Mecheri, America

An amazing aroma, hypnotically strong and insinuatingly beautiful. It will envelop a woman in a dense veil of dark and deep tones of wood, sweet shades of Turkish delight, delicate notes of rose, sprinkled with the thinnest layer of shimmering almond powder. You can fall in love with a miniature immediately, and then become attached to it unconditionally, limitlessly, because the aroma penetrates the heart like love. The perfume will confuse you in dreams and daydreams and take you to distant lands of imagination. The miniature contains almond, rose, patchouli, oud wood, vanilla, benzoin and tonka bean.

“Moon Safari (Fever)”, unisex eau de parfum from Memo, France, published 2009

The perfume subtly and exquisitely conveys the color of the African savannah, the aromas of herbs and leaves dipped in lunar silver. It would seem that the notes should be bright and enchanting, like a safari adventure, but the miniature sounds soft and sensual, radiating the gentle charm of nature, the sky, and the night star. The edition contains lemon, bitter orange, grapefruit, mandarin, vetiver, neroli, verbena, sage, leather and tonka bean.

Tonka bean is the literary name for the fruits of the tropical plant Dipteryx odorata, a tall tree with large leaves and purple flowers. This tree is from the genus Dipteryx of the Legume family, growing in the tropics of South America, especially in Bolivia, Brazil, Guyana, Peru and Venezuela, the fruits are processed in Europe and the USA.

Inside the fruit of Dipteryx aromaticum there is one black wrinkled seed 3-4 cm long and 1 cm wide. These seeds have a pleasant aroma reminiscent of vanilla, almond, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves and are sold under the names tonka bean, kumaruna, sumbaru?, sarrapia, tagua. The aroma of tonka is so strong that if you put just 4 beans in the room, you will constantly smell the sweet, vanilla-caramel aroma.

There are several commercial varieties of tonka beans, differing in seed size. Only fully ripened seeds are collected; they contain the highest content of coumarin, for which tonka fruits are valued. To extract coumarin from the seeds, they are soaked for 12 to 24 hours in alcohol or rum, and when the beans are well swollen, they are slowly dried and fermented for several days. Coumarin crystals are released on the surface of the beans, which are collected.

Coumarin is used only in the cosmetics and perfume industries. Mainly during production men's perfumes, this is caused by the hypnotically eroticizing effect attributed to them. They flavor pipe tobacco, and fresh shavings are used as incense. It has a strong sweetish smell, reminiscent of vanilla and nutmeg at the same time, it is mainly added to perfume compositions with warm oriental notes and strong aroma. Not so long ago, it was still used to flavor pipe tobacco, but since coumarin is a carcinogenic and toxic substance, its use is now banned.

In South America, they believe that the plant has magical and healing powers, and talismans made from it bring good luck, protect against diseases and make wishes come true.

Beans best quality Venezuela supplied, somewhat worse quality beans from Guiana, the lowest quality from the Amazon. The aroma of the beans is very rich, sweet and warm, with distinct herbal notes, with tones of prunes or caramel, reminiscent of recently mown hay.

The use of these beans in cooking has never been widespread, and despite unique aroma, they are hardly mentioned in cookbooks even today. Only a very few of them dare to suggest adding a minimum amount of these beans to baked goods and sweets based on poppy seeds, coconut flakes or walnuts. Although my favorite combination is Tonka and chocolate. The fruits are brewed in milk or cream for about ten minutes (and they can be brewed up to 10 times) and after the fruits have given off their aroma, add liquid to the dough or prepare a dessert. Tonka is also added to rum.

Sometimes beans are suggested to be used as a substitute for bitter almonds. In the past, tonka beans were often used to adulterate vanilla, as both spices have a similar character. And if it becomes possible to find this spice today, they could serve as an interesting replacement or companion for vanilla in dairy desserts - ice cream, puddings, soufflés and creams. Moreover, just a few beans are enough to flavor a kilogram of dessert. Tonka beans would probably go well with spices like cinnamon or saffron.

In many European countries the use of coumarin for food production is completely prohibited or allowed in minimal doses. They found another use for it - in Holland it is a popular moth repellent and an equally well-known insecticide.

There is an assumption that the coumarin contained in tonka beans is an oncogene, which causes a reduction in their consumption.

In 1981, in Germany, this plant was completely banned for use in food production. Since 1991, this ban has been partially lifted, but there remains a restriction on the maximum coumarin content in products, which is 2 mg per kg.

Coumarin is also used in medicine as it is an anticoagulant, but in large doses this substance can cause death. It is also used as a cardiac stimulant, although it must be used with caution.

Use of tonka beans and preparation, what are the benefits and harms of the tonka bean product, how long to cook.

Tonka beans are the seeds of the fruit of the tropical Dipteryx odorata tree, common in the forests of South America.

Tonka beans are black, wrinkled, 3–4 cm long, 1 cm wide. In cooking, they replace vanilla because of their similar aroma, they are even called “Mexican vanilla.” Tonka beans are also an analogue of bitter almonds.

Other names

Kumarun, sarrapia, sumbaru, tagua.

History and distribution

Tonka beans are native to Guyana and northern Brazil. This plant is cultivated in Nigeria and western Africa. Tonka beans are processed in the USA and Europe.

In 1981, this plant was banned in Germany for use in food production.

Since 1991, this ban has been lifted, but the maximum coumarin content remains limited, which is 2 mg per 1 kg of products.

In cooking, tonka beans were used as a substitute for vanilla or nutmeg, and added to desserts, chocolate or coffee.

There is an opinion that coumarin, which is found in tonka beans, is a carcinogen. In large doses, coumarin contained in tonka beans is deadly to humans.

Dry tonka beans are used to make talismans that bring good luck, protect against illness and grant wishes.

Usage

Tonka bean has many uses. Most often, the fragrant seeds of this plant are used to make men's perfumes. This is explained by the fact that they have a stimulating effect.

Pipe tobacco is also flavored with these beans. In the past, tonka beans were used as incense to scent clothes and linens. To do this, they were ground into powder, poured into a bag and placed in a wardrobe. In Holland, tonka beans are used as an insect killer and moth repellent.

In medicine, coumarin, which is found in tonka beans, is used as an anticoagulant (a substance that prevents the formation of blood clots). With caution, this plant can be used as a cardiac stimulant.

Tonka beans are used to create bath oils and massage oils, which must be used with great caution due to the coumarin content.

Use and preparation

The use of tonka beans in cooking has never been widespread. Tonka beans are added in very small quantities to desserts based on milk or cream, containing poppy seeds or coconut,

In order to prepare the dessert, you need to boil the beans for 10 minutes in milk or cream. During this time, the tonka beans will give off their flavor to the base, which can be used directly in food. Moreover, they can be brewed up to 10 times, and they will still flavor milk or cream. Tonka beans are used to flavor muffins and pies.

Tonka beans are also added to rum to give it light aroma vanilla.

Before use, tonka beans are dried, then soaked in alcohol, after which they acquire a thick nutty-vanilla smell.

Tonka beans are the fruit of the dipteryx aromatics tree, which grows in the tropical forests of South America and Africa. It is distinguished by large leaves and purple flowers. The fruits of the tree - pods - contain black-purple beans from 3 to 5 cm long. One hundred percent formed and ripe fruits are suitable for processing, because only they contain greatest number Coumarin is a substance that is used in the perfume industry.

Miracle Beans

The wrinkled, not quite beautiful seeds, which have a sweetish vanilla smell, were very much valued and revered by the Indians. They believed that the fruits and bark of this tree could reward a person with strong erotic power, give health and fortune. That’s why they wore amulets made from tonka beans, and hung idols made from dipteryx bark and seeds in their houses. Shamans used bean shavings to prepare a potion for hypnotic sessions. And the Mexicans were convinced that beans could do anything you wanted. It is enough to throw seven beans into the river, making the most sacred wish, and it will certainly come true.

Entrance to the cookery is closed

Later, when people examined tonka beans more closely, they were surprised by the richness of the smell of these unsightly seeds. It was a divine mix of vanilla, cinnamon, caramel and nuts. Naturally, culinary specialists could not help but pay attention to this event. And they began to use beans in cooking as a substitute for natural vanilla (the extract was called Mexican vanilla), rejoicing that the product was very cheap and gave culinary products a unique smell. But it soon became clear that the odorous substance coumarin, found in beans, consumed in large quantities, could cause cardiac arrest. Thus, the introduction of Dipteryx fruits as a food flavoring was discontinued.

The mystery of the smell

But tonka beans have not disappeared into oblivion. The baton of culinary specialists, who parted with the fragrant seeds with great regret, was taken over by perfumers. A uniformly magical mix of unsightly fruits has spread widely in the creation of odors. Tonka bean absolute (absolute is an aromatic oil or essence of the highest purity) is an amazing oriental scent fixer. It has been seen that this sweet, slightly tart note in fragrant compositions is adored by people with an active, contemporary position, colorful and unique. It is striking that tonka beans are in most cases used in men's perfumery. This note in perfume is sometimes called chypre. Why is there such a gender division? Perfumers laconically answer: “It happened historically.”

The effect of the smell of tonka beans on a person’s sense of smell is curious. On different people it works differently. Used in aromatherapy essential oil Dipteryx aromatic fruits alone calm, help to relax, promote sleep soundly, and invigorates others, increases their mood, makes them active and energetic. The smell extracted from tonka beans still retains within itself a charming flair of mystery, which forces you to inhale the spicy trail and enjoy it endlessly.

A name that is unusual for our ears always arouses interest, mixed with slight anxiety. Is there some kind of threat lurking here? Especially when it comes to food or cosmetics. Tonka beans are in this category.

Not just a bob

Simply put, these are the seeds of a tropical tree that does not have annual rings. In Africa and South America, the fragrant dipteryx (or tonka, guaiac, koemaroe) grows, a tall tree with a luxurious crown in which juicy fruits similar in shape to plums ripen. Each contains a single black bean seed. It has many names: kumarun, tagua, sumbaru, sarrapia, tonka bean.

Out of time

Since ancient times, these seeds have been used for various needs, like all vegetable plants that are not poisonous. Tagua is collected and dried for later processing. Or in its natural form - wrinkled black long beans with transparent crystals - they are stored for years. Tonka beans do not lose their quality over time.

From the darkness of centuries came the belief in the mystical and healing qualities of sumbaru. To this day, there are amulets containing this seed or entirely carved from it. (When dried, the beans have a fairly dense texture that lends itself well to processing and only darkens slightly over time). Thin shavings taken from the beans are burned as incense.

Mexican vanilla?

The most important benefit of tonka beans is their aroma.

By placing a few seeds in the spacious hall, you can forget about them for a long time and simply enjoy the pleasant atmosphere that is created thanks to a rather strong but unobtrusive natural flavor. In addition, moths, mosquitoes and wasps will forever forget the way here.

At different conditions Sarrapia exudes an aroma similar to spices: vanilla (it’s not for nothing that the name “Mexican vanilla” can be a “pseudonym” in the composition), cloves, almonds, nutmeg, cinnamon.

Like any other bean, tonka beans are used in small quantities to improve the taste of confectionery, desserts, wines, and tobacco.

Coumarin from beans

The active ingredient in tagua that gives it its unique flavor is coumarin. When drying beans, it appears on the surface in small crystals and can be dangerous if consumed in excess. It dissolves perfectly in boiling water and in alcohol, giving the latter a characteristic odor. At the same time, the beans acquire a luxurious vanilla-nut aroma.

Tonka beans are often found in cosmetics: masks, creams, bath oil. They are used in medicine as antithrombosis and (externally) as an antidepressant.

Perfume with beans

Perfumery has appreciated the benefits of sarrapia for a relatively long time. The rare beauty of the sweet vanilla-powdery, creamy caramel, amber, and spice notes of many Arabic perfumes is precisely the sound of tonka beans.

They fit perfectly into the oriental style, revealing unique flower arrangements. Among women's perfumes and perfumes, pay attention to such as: Muhallat Mullok, Hala, Aaliya from, Varda, from Nabil. Universal aromas containing tonka bean: from Al Haramain, Arka, Nasaim, solid perfume in Qayum keychain pendant from Syed Junaid Alam.

Celebrate! Another secret of Arab perfumes has been revealed to you!