Tonka bean

Dipteryx odorata

spice

A black, wrinkled seed with a scent of vanilla, almond and hay, grated like nutmeg into creams.

Origin

Amazonia (Venezuela, Brazil)

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

Whole, it is steeped in milk or cream, then taken out. A grating, not a whole bean: its coumarin harms the liver at high doses and thins the blood; avoid with an anticoagulant.

Did you know?

Banned in cooking in the United States since 1954, it is allowed in Europe in small amounts.