Tonka beans, 50 g

Tonka bean from Terre Exotique

almond, caramel or tobacco: the captivating aromas of the Tonka bean are as versatile as its uses. Depending on the growing region and cultivation, it features aromas of sweet almonds, vanilla, caramel and even coffee. Its round and warm flavour is incredibly refined, with a slight bitterness reminiscent of cocoa. The Tonka bean from Terre Exotique is very mild and barely spicy, making it suitable for a wide range of creations without overpowering them.

Using the Tonka bean in the kitchen

The Tonka bean is used grated in compotes, creamy desserts, with chocolate, in pumpkin soup or with sweet potatoes. Be careful, though, not to use too much Tonka bean! It contains coumarin, a substance that gives it its powerful aroma but also forms the natural defence of the tree that bears its fruit... What's more, the flavour of the Tonka bean intensifies about tenfold as it cools. Grate it, like Nutmeg, in a fine mill or on a fine vegetable Grater.

The Tonka bean transforms classics into something entirely new!

Surprise your guests with an extraordinary and warm flavour in a wide variety of dishes. Simply grate a little Tonka bean over

- a mousse au chocolat
- a dark chocolate cake
- an apple and pear compote
- a pumpkin soup
- sweet potato mash
- veal medallions in cream sauce
- pan-fried prawns

How the Tonka bean is harvested

The Tonka bean grows in the tropical climate and dense forests of the Amazon region. It is found at the heart of the fruit of trees belonging to the Fabaceae family, more specifically Dipteryx Odorata. These gigantic trees, also known as "Coumarou", can grow up to 30 metres tall and rise above the rainforest canopy. They thrive in a warm tropical climate and on humus-rich, highly fertile soils. These giants bear orange-coloured fruits shaped like a mango. The Tonka bean is the seed at the core of this fruit.

From a giant tree comes the little Tonka bean...

The Coumarou produces its fruit every year and lets it fall to the ground when ripe. The fruits are then collected and dried for almost a year. After this maturing period, the fruit is broken open to reveal the bean inside. The seeds are then soaked in strong alcohol for a day. After this lengthy process they are dried again, turning black and wrinkled, no bigger than 3 cm.

Production and use in local culture

The Tonka beans from Terre Exotique are produced in Brazil, where villagers and locals share the harvest. There, the Tonka bean, also known as "Cumaru", is used for its healing properties for the bronchia and lungs, through topical application or ingestion. It is also used in the making of Candles and incense. The culinary use we appreciate so much receives little attention in its country of origin.

Queen of fragrances

Before its use in the kitchen, the Tonka bean was primarily an ally of Western perfumers and tobacco manufacturers. Its sweet scent, reminiscent of vanilla and hay, was used to flavour blonde tobacco. In the world of cosmetics, it remains one of the key ingredients in many perfumes. It has a particularly special connection to the house of Guerlain®, which has been using it in its fragrances since the end of the 19th century.