Tonka beans are used to flavor alcohol, cigarettes, perfume, custard and chocolate. They contain the toxin coumarin and are banned by the FDA for use in food.
Tonka beans smell like vanilla with a bit of cinnamon, almond and cloves. Tonka beans come from the Cumaru tree which grows in in the tropical rainforests and are harvested after the beans have matured for around a year. The tonka beans are generally soaked in rum then air dried giving them a frosty appearance.
Where To Get Tonka Beans
Chowhound: Tonka Beans in LA?
Rafal Spice Company: Whole Tonka Beans
Alchemy Works: Tonka Beans for Witchcraft and Magick
Scents of Earth: Whole Tonka Beans
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References
Fast Facts
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Native to Central and South America
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Approximately 2 inches long
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Trees can grow 120 feet tall
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Member of the Legume family
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Can be used to repel moths
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Used in witchcraft
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Good for potpourris and sachets
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Most adulterated vanilla contains tonka beans and gets into the United States through Mexico although illegal here
