"The most delicious ingredient you've never heard of."

Tonka beans are a type of seed that is popular in gourmet cooking, particularly in desserts. These wrinkly, black beans are known for their distinctive aroma, which is a mix of vanilla, cinnamon, almond, and clove, with some even claiming to detect notes of cherry, sandalwood, licorice, and caramel. But did you know that tonka beans have been banned in the United States since the 1950s?

Dipteryx odorata, the tree that produces tonka beans, is native to Central and South America, particularly the Amazon rainforest. The word "Tonka" comes from the Galibi or Carib language spoken by indigenous people in French Guiana. Tonka beans contain a chemical isolate called coumarin, which gives them their characteristic aroma. Coumarin is found in many plants, including grass, lavender, cinnamon, and cherries, and is used in perfumes, detergents, fabric conditioners, toiletries, and cosmetics.

Coumarin is a chemical compound that was first discovered in the tonka beans in 1820. It was synthesized in 1868 and became an important ingredient in the perfumery industry by 1882. Synthetic coumarin gained popularity in the 1940s and is now widely used as an additive to enhance the aroma of various products, including pipe tobaccos, e-cigarettes, chocolates, and alcoholic drinks. It is also used as a flavor enhancer, particularly in the form of an artificial vanilla flavoring. Coumarin has a sweet, vanilla-like aroma and is a popular choice for adding fragrance and flavor to various consumer products.

However, coumarin has been found to be toxic to animals in relatively low quantities, causing significant liver damage in dogs and rats after a few weeks of ingestion. Just two teaspoons of coumarin can be fatal to sheep. As a result, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of tonka extract for consumption in 1954, considering it "illegal." Food preparations containing Tonka are deemed "adulterated," and those who use them risk facing legal repercussions.

Tonka beans, despite being banned in many countries due to their coumarin content, remain a highly sought-after ingredient among chefs and gastronomes alike. Often described as "the most delicious ingredient you have ever heard of," tonka beans are known to add a unique and complex flavor profile to a variety of dishes.

Despite the ban, tonka beans continue to be used in high-end restaurants worldwide, including many Michelin-starred establishments. Some chefs even go to great lengths to obtain tonka beans, resorting to smuggling them into the country through dealers. This is because the flavor imparted by tonka beans is difficult to replicate using other ingredients, making them a highly prized addition to many dishes.

Tonka beans are a popular ingredient in many desserts due to their unique and potent flavor. They are commonly used in dishes like Le Gateau, honeyed apricot cake, and creme brulee. Tonka beans are highly sought-after because a single bean's shavings are enough to flavor up to 80 plates, making them a cost-effective option for chefs. However, it is important to note that the use of tonka beans in the United States is illegal under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. This is because tonka beans contain a naturally occurring chemical called coumarin, which is toxic in high doses and has been linked to liver damage and other health problems. As a result, the use of tonka beans in food products is strictly regulated, and individuals caught using them in the US can face serious legal consequences.

Tonka beans are a forbidden ingredient that has an intoxicating aroma and a distinct flavor. While it remains popular in high-end restaurants worldwide, it is illegal to use it in food preparations in the United States. Chefs who use them risk legal repercussions, and diners who consume them risk their health. While tonka beans may be tantalizing to the senses, it is best to avoid them altogether and opt for safer alternatives.