"Tonka beans, resembling elongated raisins, are banned by the FDA since 1954 due to coumarin's potential to cause liver damage, despite their popularity for flavor enhancement."
"Chefs greatly appreciate the multifaceted flavor of tonka beans, describing it as versatile and complex, adding warmth reminiscent of vanilla and almond to many dishes."
Tonka beans, which look like elongated raisins, are known for their flavor reminiscent of vanilla and almond but have been banned in the U.S. since 1954 due to coumarin, a chemical linked to liver damage in animals. Found in Central and South America, these seeds of the kumaru tree have historically had medicinal uses. Although the beans enhance various sweet and savory dishes, their use is limited due to strict regulations that may not be enforced, leading some chefs to incorporate tonka beans into modern cuisine despite the ban.
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