Tonka Bean (Dipteryx odorata)

Family: Fabaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Other common names include Brazilian Teak, Kumaru, and Cumarú de Cheiro. Dipteryx odorata or Tonka Beans is a tropical flowering tree native to Central America and northern South America. It grows up to 25-30 m with trunk diameter of about 1 m. It has a smooth and grey bark, alternate pinnate leaves that are glossy and dark green, and flowers that are pink. The crown is small and round.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring can be extracted from the seed through a process of fermentation. — A coumarin-like flavouring can be extracted from the seed through a process of fermentation.; It has been used commercially as a vanilla substitute in flavouring a wide range of foods including baked goods, ice cream, cocoa etc.; Its use is banned in some countries because of the possibility that coumarins can cause health problems - see notes above on toxicity.; The seed pods are 5 - 6cm long and about 3cm in diameter.

Habitat & North American Range

A canopy and emergent tree of rainforests, often beside rivers. (Zone 10)