CaFleureBon Tonka (Coumarin) in Perfumery: “The Love Bean” + 9 Niche & Natural Tonka Perfumes

Dipteryx odorata  tonka bean in perfume

Botanical illustration Tonka bean, flower, tree

Sweetly scented of vanilla, spice, and almond, the absolute of tonka is one of the most common and important perfume ingredients.  Coumarin, an important component of tonka, provides the vanilla sweetness and fresh greenness so important to a variety of perfumes.

tonka bean tree

The tonka bean tree (Dipterix odorata), a legume also known as cumaru, may grow to be 1,000 years old in the rainforests of tropical Central and South America where the rose-colored flowers produce a fruit that bears a single bean over an inch in length. These trees rise over the dense tropical canopy as they seek the sun where the fruits ripen in the summer when they are gathered freshly fallen by local families while older pods can be picked up through winter into early spring. The production of the trees can vary widely, and exceptionally large volumes are produced every three to four years. These small and large harvests are handled differently by the rural Amazonian families that depend on them, with gender roles switching depending on the harvest.  In low yield years, women control the harvest and use the earnings to buy food and basic resources to support the family. In high yield years, men control the income and will spend the extra money on higher cost goods such as motorcycles and chainsaws. After harvesting the beans are cured by soaking in alcohol, generally rum, for up to 24 hours and removed for drying.  Upon drying white crystals of coumarin form a frosting on the surface. The beans are then shipped off for fragrance extraction.

cafleurebon vintage houbigant_1950_fougerehprintsJicky by Guerlain cafleurebon (Guerlain, perfumer Aimé Guerlain , 1889)first to use coumarin and vanillin

Tonka absolute is obtained by solvent extraction of the beans and is a solid, crystalline substance that must be diluted to work with. Tonka absolute can be described as vanilla-like, spicy/balsamic, very sweet and rich, but also with hints of caramel. This complexity and versatility of scent accounts for its continued use in perfumes in spite of readily available synthetic coumarin. Tonka and coumarin have been indispensable in perfumery and the use of coumarin goes back to the beginning of modern perfumery in the late 19th century. Coumarin was one of the early synthesized fragrance components, being produced in the laboratory in 1868 from coal tar, and later widely synthesized. Its inclusion in Fougère Royal by Houbigant was the beginning of a new fragrance family, the fougère. Fougère fragrances evoke the green, fresh and sweet aroma of ferns, an effect due in part to the sweet grass smell of the coumarin. Although fougères have been called fantasy perfumes, scientists have found both coumarin and green note volatiles in ferns from France adn America, indicating that perhaps early perfumers knew their natural aromas. Paired with lavender and oakmoss Fougère Royal was revolutionary in an era of simple floral perfumes. Jicky was created about the same time as Fougère Royal and combined the synthetic essences of coumarin and vanillin with citrus and herbal notes over a warm musky base.

shalimar tonka beans

 

Shalimar Illustration –used with the permission of Parisian Artist Lucile Prache (Check out her art on Etsy)

In its vanilla spice alter-ego, coumarin plays an important note in oriental fragrances, displaying a sweet almond vanilla facet. When used in combination with citrus notes it accents the ‘fizziness’ of the citrus and adds intensity, depth, and a powdery texture. It may also balance out the animalic facets of the various musks or create, in conjunction with balsams, a powdery and dense musky note. Tonka  beans are a key ingredient in many vintage perfumes such as  Guerlain's Shalimar (1925),  where it was used with a deft touch to give depth and diffusion to floral absolutes such as rose and jasmine. With its caramel and spice aspect, tonka is a natural for gourmand perfumes accenting notes such as vanilla and chocolate.

tonka bean in perfumes

 

Although aromatically sweet, tonka has a bitter taste. In the plants that contain it, coumarin has appetite suppressing effects; it is manufactured by grasses and other plants to discourage grazing animals. Perhaps the presence of coumarin in the tonka bean helps to protect it from marauding bats that like to eat the fruit. The use of tonka beans is prohibited in foods in the United States,  but allowed in the tobacco industry where it adds a unique vanilla note to tobacco and snuff.

tonka bean  coumarin perfume

 

The European Union regulates levels of coumarin in food and regulators have recently warned makers of Danish pastries to reduce the amount of cassia cinnamon, which contains coumarin, in their beloved kanelsnegle or cinnamon swirl. Coumarin itself is not actually an anticoagulant but is a precursor to some drugs with that property (like Coumadin), however, it does have the possibility in large amounts to be toxic to the liver. In very small amounts, tonka bean in pastries, creamy foods, and confections, adds a unique vanilla. Some aficionados keep a supply of the beans soaked in their alcohol of choice for cooking with. Buffalo grass vodka, also called Żubrówka, is made with a sweet grass containing coumarin and Maiwein is white wine with sweet woodruff, an herb with high levels of coumarin.  Lavender and cinnamon also contain coumarin and pair particularly well with tonka.  Before the banning of tonka beans they were used to mask the odor of strong-smelling medicines like cod liver oil.

venus titian

Sleeping Venus Titian

Tonka Bean has been associated with Venus because of its  beautiful scent and are used aphrodisacs.  In their native countries, tonka beans are used for courage, to attract money and  is most often known asthe love-wishing bean.  In fact, if you throw seven beans into a river your wish will come true. Or, as the Pagans believe, hold one in your hand and whisper your wish. Once the wish is fulfilled you may stomp on the bean or you may plant it so the wish is fulfilled as the plant grows. In South America the paste of the bean may be mixed with milk to make a sweet beverage with aphrodisiac properties.

tonka bean magic voodoo

Tonka beans are used in magic potions and voodoo

In voodoo magic it may be used in mojo bags to draw money and is great for potpourris and sachets. Tonka may also be used as an anti-inflammatory and a boost to the immune system. The bark of the tree is used in a decoction to bathe fevered patients and seeds fermented in rum make a great snakebite cure. The Miskitu of eastern Nicaragua use the wood of the tonka tree for a large mortar and pestle to prepare foods and grains including a popular drink made from boiled seeds mixed with water or coconut milk and sugar then the oil from boiling the seeds is skimmed off to use as a hair tonic.

Complex and sweet, comforting yet an outlaw, the many facets of tonka add depth and balance to Fougere, Gourmand, Floral and Oriental perfumes. Like many such things, it makes life that much richer and may just, perhaps, allow your fragrant wishes to come true.

Elise Pearlstine, Monthly Contributor and Perfumer for Tambela

For more about Fougere Royale and Coumarin please read Kevin Verspoor's article on the House of Houbigant here

For our Tonka Perfume Draw,  we have chosen Perfumes that use Tonka or courmarin in both unusual ways and tradtional ways

lumiere blanche bottle

100 ml of Olfactive Studio Lumiere Blanche  worldwide  Perfumer Sidonie Lancesseur

vanille tonka parfums de nicolai

30 ml Vanille Tonka Parfums de Nicolai – Worldwide

autore de parfum  patchouli tonka

30 ml Autore de Parfum Patchouli Tonka available at Fragrance & Arts EU only

 

 

New_Haarlem bond 9 100 ml favorite gourmand perfume

 50 ml Bond No 9 New Haarlem USA only -Perfumer Maurice Roucel

olympic orchids carolina  tonka tobacco

15 ml Carolina from Olympic Orchids Artisan perfumes -Perfumer Ellen Covey

gypsy providence perfume co

15 ml GYPSY Providence Perfume Co  ALL NATURAL USA-perfumer Charna Ethier

npg logo

WoofromHouseofMatriarch

House of Matriarch Woo 3.3 ml atomiser USA  RESIDENT only – ALL NATURAL Perfumer Christi Meshell

yiska perfume tallulah jane

30ml Yiska Talluleh Jane ALL NATURAL Perfumer Eleanor Jane Worldwide

TeaOlivePerfume tambela tonka

15 ml of Tea Olive Tambela Perfumes created by our esteemed Author!!! USA only

 

To be eligible for our Tonka in Perfumery draw, please leave a comment about what you learned from this article and as many of the fragrances you would like to win (Country restrictions, so  let us know if you are an International reader). Be sure to include at least one tonka natural perfume when you post your choices. Draw closes February 5, 2014

We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

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118 comments

  • I had no idea that tonka beans were so multi-faceted, used in foods and sorcery! I’d try the tonka infused milk, sounds delicious. I’ve always been interested in smelling Vanille Tonka by Parfums de Nicolai. Thanks for the draw.

  • I learned how tonka beans are grown, harvested, and used in all sorts of things besides perfume! I would love to try the paste mixed in hot milk. I would also love to win any of the perfumes, and I am in the US. Thanks!

  • as usual, elise enlightens. 😉

    i’m always so appreciative of the information she provides OUTSIDE of perfumery. for example, The Wishing Bean! even if this isn’t an exact science, it IS a perfect way to introduce aromatic plants to people (i’m particularly referring to children here- who will attach this sense of magic to the education they are receiving and never, ever forget! Plus, hey– tonka bean tree. *laugh*)

    and, while i never opened one (i’m not going to mess with anyone’s mojo) — i always suspected something vannila-esque in the aroma of their money pouches, etc. nice to know the nose is still serving me.

    thank you again!

    as for the draw- wow! some goodies in here! of COURSE i would love to win Rose Boheme from Providence Perfume Co (i could literally bathe in this stuff.)

    Woo from House of Matriach (if for no other reason, how FUN to respond “WOO” when someone asks you why you smell so good.)

    i live in the usa.

    thank you CFB & Elise for another wonderful profile in natural aromatics!

  • I really enjoy these expositions on individual ingredients. I was fascinated to learn of the medicinal and magical applications of the tonka bean, the history of coumarin as one of the first synthesized scents, and the use of tonka as a tobacco additive. I always did love catching a whiff of pipe tobacco smoke!

    I would be MOST thrilled at Bond No. 9 New Haarlem.

    But would also love to try Lumiere Blanche, HoM Woo, or Nicolai Vanille Tonka.

  • I like that tonka is a love- wishing bean. I have always loved Tonka, it was nice to learn more about the scent. My dog was even named Tonka!

    I am in the USA. I would love to win new Haarlem or Tea Olive Tambela.

  • The versatility and Balance of Tonka in perfumes was interesting.. I also loved that the harvesters (family’s) shared the harvest role depending on the yield from year to year.. Loved this statement and it is so true <3 Complex and sweet, comforting yet an outlaw, the many facets of tonka add depth and balance. My choices Vanille Tonka and Woo. I am in the US.

  • I adore the idea of the Tonka bean as the love-wishing bean. If I had seven beans, I’d definitely throw them in the river and make a wish. Lacking the beans, I’ll just wish now for:

    Vanille Tonka, which I already know I love, or Rose Boheme, which sounds delicious.

  • I love love love Rose Boheme and did not know that it had Tonka in it. I had Tonka Imperiale by Guerlain and though it was nice, I sold it. I am in the US and would like to try to Olympic Orchids and House of Matriarch.

  • I was fascinated by the many medicinal (including as a precursor to anticoagulant drugs such as Coumadin) and food purposes Tonka has been applied to, especially after having read about its inclusion in a recipe for a Shalimar-inspired tea blend over on Bois de Jasmin. Such a truly versatile plant!

    I would be interested in any of the following perfumes: Lumiere Blanche, Vanille Tonka, Rose Boheme, Woo, and Tea Olive. I am in the US. Thank you!

  • I am in the US and I really like this articles about ingredients, but specially the uses they have besides perfumery, like this time is use in vodoo magic!!!! To draw money, I would love that for sure. And is used as an anti inflammatory and to boost the immune system and even to use as a snake bite cure. But this time I will use it to make my own vodoo magic and be able to win the Olfactive Studio Lumiere Blanche, I’ve been wanting that one for a long time. Also from the Naturals Perfumers I’d like to win the one from House of Matriarch Woo. Thanks

  • Tonka bean is a foreign spice for me. I’ve never seen it in person and did not know that people actually use it in food until I read this article. I’d love to smell the beans in its dried forms. They must smell wonderful.

    I’m in Canada. If I win, I’d love Lumiere Blanche or Nicolai’s Vanille Tonka or the Yiska. Thank You!

  • Great article. I enjoy Tonka a lot. I knew quite a bit about Tonka but this went way beyond. I enjoyed the culture, voodoo, Venus and the way depending on harvest earnings the women or men. Whole article was so great and really like the fragrance. Has to be one of my favorites. I would choose New Haarlem, Woo, Vanille Tonka, Lumiere Blanche or Gypsy. Awesome….

  • wefadetogray says:

    I did not know anything about tonka really but its association with Venus is probably to me its most interesting feature as well as its aphrodisiac properties.
    I’d love to try Lumiere Blanche, New Haarlen, and Carolina. I am in the US

  • I didn’t know tonka had money-attracting properties — I should wear those tonka fragrances from my collection more often! And of course, the more tonka perfume choices I have, the better for my bankbook, right? 🙂 I choose Lumiere Blanche, Carolina, Woo, Yiska, Gypsy and Tea Olive!

  • helical gnome says:

    I am in the USA.
    I have to admit absolute ignorance. I didnt know a thing about tonka besides the fact that it smells like vanilla and that I adore PdN’s rendition very much. I actually find surprising that tonka’s aroma is sweet although its taste is bitter and yay for suppressing appetite. I eat way to much but that is another story..
    If I get the chance I would love to get my hands on Lumiere Blanche and Olympic Orchid’s anything!

  • SO many great things I learned about Tonka. I think my favorite was that it was used in Mojo bags to draw money.
    I live in the U.S. and would love to win Woo, Gypsy, Patchouli Tonka or New Haarlem.
    Thanks for the draw!

  • Most of facts in the article was unknown for me. I never knew that vodka can contain coumarin. Thanks for the fascinating reading.
    I’d like to win Lumiere Blanche, Vanille Tonka or Yiska. I’m International reader.

  • I enjoyed the historical info for Tonka, including the magic! Plus the factoid o fit being an appetite suppressant. Elise Pearlstine write so nice and I always seem to learn something, so her scent Tea Olive woul dbe my first choice, second would be Vanille Tonka. I live in the US.

  • I thought it was very interesting that the Amazonian people that harvest the tonka bean alternate each year between the men or women controlling the proceeds. I would choose Lumiere Blanche or Woo and am in the U.S.

  • I enjoyed reading about the different ways the Amazonian men and women harvested the Tonka bean and what they did with the money.

    My choices are: House of Matriarch Woo
    Bond No. 9 New Haarlem
    Olfactive Studio Lumiere Blanche
    Vanille Tonka Parfums de Nicolai.

    I live in the U.S.

  • I live in germany, and at the organic food store I bought a tonka essential oil, which is actually tonka absolute diluted in alcohol to a 25% concentration. I use a few drops of this in a hot chocolate, or for homemade fudge, thats really yummy!
    I haven’t tried the money and luck atrracting properties though.
    🙂
    I’d like to win Vanille Tonka Parfums de Nicolai, Autore de Patchouli Tonka or Yiska Talluleh Jane. Thanks!

  • I didn’t know that coumarin was one of the first synthesised perfume ingredients. To move from voodoo to scenting cakes and bonbons, it is extremely versatile! The parallels between tonka and vanilla are remarkable. They both require curing and quality beans end up with a dusting of scented crystals covering them, vanillin in the case of the flowering orchid and coumarin in the case of the tonka bean. I’m an international reader, and would love to win Vanille Tonka Parfums de Nicolai, Autore de Patchouli Tonka or Yiska Talluleh Jane. Thanks!

  • What an interesting article! I knew that Tonka could be used in food in Europe, but not that it was also used to attract money or wish for love. I’m in the US, and I’d love to win Vanille Tonka, New Haarlem, Carolina, Tea Olive, or Woo.

  • The culinary use of Tonka in Europe was very interesting. Voodoo also … wow how awesome is that. I am in the US. New Haarlem and Vanille Tonka would be my top choices. Thanks

  • I didn’t know that the beans get soaked in rum. And quite a few other things, like the voodoo….Great article. I would like the Lumiere Blanche and for the natural the Yiska Talluleh. I live in the UK.
    Many thanks

  • Marcopietro says:

    Very interesting rewiew! All about tonka is new to me, but its use in tobacco industry surprises me.
    My choices are:
    Autore de Parfum Patchouli Tonka; Yiska Talluleh Jane.
    I live in Italy. Thanks!

  • Coumarin has appetite suppressing effects?? Bring on the Tonka!!
    I love fougeres and tonka in perfumery.

    I live in the EU and I would love to win any of the perfumes (which are not restricted to USA only).

    Thanks for the draw.

  • Interesting how the flavors that enhance and make food appealing are actually appetite suppressing?! Always enjoy Elise’s articles. I might pop one of those beans into my wallet and I will definitely explore the flavor potential of Tonka. Since it’s damaging to the liver, I probably won’t make a vodka infusion! I would love to win any of the naturals. Thank you for the draw.

  • I was interested in learning about the uses of — and restrictions on — coumarin in food products. Too bad the use of tonka beans in foods is banned in the US! The draw choices all sound wonderful. I’d love to win Lumiere Blanche, Vanille Tonka, New Haarlem, Gypsy, or Tea Olive. I’m in the US; thanks for the draw.

  • Fazal Cheema says:

    the most surprising fact is that tonka is associated with Venus and coumarin can have drug-like effects or a precursor in some manner.. my choices will be

    1. Olfactive Studio Lumiere Blanche
    2. Bond No. 9 New Haarlem
    3. Parfums de Nicolai Vanille Tonka
    4. 15 ml GYPSY Providence Perfume Co

    I am in the US

  • This is very interesting, thanks for the informative article and generous draw; I’m in the US. The way the gender roles for harvesting depending on the tree’s yield cycle is a nice glimpse into a different cultures, also how courmarain protects grasses from pests. I would choose Nicolai Vanille Tonka, New Haarlem, Gypsy or Yista Tallulah Jane.

  • I really did not know that tonka could have magic proprieties or that is associated with Venus because it is used an aphrodisiac.

    My choices are: Patchouli Tonka and Yiska

    I live in Europe. Thank you for the article and the giveaway!

  • Again, a very informative as well as entertaining article. I particularly enjoyed the folklore related to Tonka bean.

    I really like the scent of the raw material but I find it a bit difficult to work with in solely natural perfumes because of the smoky-leathery top notes that accompany the almond facet and detract from the freshness of top notes. I only recently found out fist hand how the combination with lavender absolute smells, which is muskier than any true botanical musk and a truly masculine scent!

    My choices should I win would be:
    Patchouli Tonka
    Vanille Tonka
    Yiska
    Lumiere Blanche

    I am sure you’re tired of hearing this by now Elise but your writing is so beautiful and precise that is a pleasure to read! I read your articles in one breath. I’d love to try some of your creations with Tonka at some point (just not now because I am an EU reader).

  • Having studied aroma materials as much as possible , I was aware of most of the facts about tonka. though I did not know it lived up to a thousand years !! And I have never held nor smelled an actual tonka bean . I am in the US , and would love to win New Haarlem , HoM Woo , Providence Gypsy or Autore de Parfum Patchouli Tonka .
    Thank you for the super generous draw…

  • Very in depth article! ..as usual from Elise. I have a jar of vintage beans that i sniff from time to time but could not imagine it with cod liver oil!

    I would love to try any of the natural perfumes; i’m in the USA….Thanks for the draw.

  • julesinrose says:

    I didn’t realize coumarin showed up naturally in so many different things. I also simply thought of tonka as a variation on vanilla – how wrong!

    I would love Bond No.9 New Haarlem, Lumiere Blanche, Parfums de Nicolai Vanille Tonka, or Providence Perfume Co. Gypsy. In the US.

    Another great draw/article. Thanks!

  • I found it interesting to read that coumarian is used to help increase the depth and intensity of citrus and smooth musks.

    Living in the USA I would enjoy sampling Bond No.9 New Haarlem, Olympic Orchids Carolina, Providence Perfume Gypsy and House of Matriarch’s Woo.

  • There’s a lot I didn’t know about tonka. I did know about the coumarin part, but stuff like the money attracting was new to me. Can;t really say I’m the biggest fan of pure tonka, but I’m sure it works well with other ingredients.
    I’d like to in the draw for Lumiere Blanche, Autore de Parfum Patchouli Tonka, Vanille Tonka, Carolina and Yiska.
    I’m in the EU
    ty

  • Hi there.
    I loved learning about tonka’s being associated with Venus, and its identity as the “love-wishing” bean. Fantastic!
    I live in the US and would be interested in Lumiere Blanche, Vanille Tonka, and Woo (in that order).

  • Hello!

    I found the gender roles on harvesting tonka very interesting. Prior to this article I did not know that tonka was coumarin or that it was banned in the US food industry. So, I learned a lot! I am in the USA and would love a chance to win any of these:
    Carolina by Olympic Orchids
    Gypsy by Providence Perfume
    Tea Olive by Tambela
    Thanks for the lovely offerings!

  • I knew from reading Kevin post that fougere royal used tonka but I did not know it was in shalimar

    Tonka in vodka ! I am interested in that
    My choices are olfactive studio lumiere Blanche and woo by hom
    Us

  • I had no idea coumarin was in so many fragrances! I also loved reading how it’s harvested. I would love to win: Lumiere Blanche, Carolina, Gypsy, Yiska, Woo, New Haarlem, Patchouli Tonka. I live in the US. Thanks!

  • I use tonka beans a lot in my cuisine..It was nice to read the cack story behind the harvest of the beans and the gender roles assigned depending on the season..Its use in voodoo was also a hilarious but fun tidbit that are really the gems these material centered articles abound in. Thank you for this great article and amazing draw…
    I live in France and would love to win Olfactive Studio’s beautiful Lumiere Blanche or Patricia de Nicolai’s superb Vanille Tonka.

  • Thanks for this article. I like tonka so much and I was interested in pretty much everything you presented here. I would have never expected tonka to be used in voodoo. I’d also found interesting the mix of tonka in vodka. I need to get me some of that.
    If I win, I would love to try:
    Lumiere Blance
    New Haarlem
    Carolina
    I am in the US. Thanks!

  • Such a great post about coumarin! I really like the warm and sweet creaminess of tonka beans in perfume compositions.

    Isn’t it great that harvests of tonka are a source of income for Amazonian families? We should be thankful for their work on that field.

    I also like the magical aspect of throwing 7 beans into the river to make a wish come true. And even voodoo? Wow!

    I’m an international reader from Poland and if I win I’d like to have a choice between Lumiere Blanche, Vanille Tonka or Patchouli Tonka

    Thank you

  • Charming article. Was ‘aware’ of Tonka….but knew almost nothing about it. So reading has been enlightening. Appreciate your discussion of all facets from botanical attributes to folklore to cuisine to perfumery possibilities.

    Love the taste & smell of vanilla in culinary creations. Interesting, it’s not permitted as an ingredient here in the States. I’m not really a vanilla perfume gal….however, some of these unusual combos in the draw have my curiosity piqued. I’d be delighted to smell Carolina – Tea Olive – New Haarlem.

  • I have learned so many things but what impressed me the most is that “Tonka beans are a key ingredient in many vintage perfumes such as Guerlain’s Shalimar (1925), where it was used with a deft touch to give depth and diffusion to floral absolutes such as rose and jasmine. With its caramel and spice aspect, tonka is a natural for gourmand perfumes accenting notes such as vanilla and chocolate.” and I am a lover of gourmand perfumes especially of Shalimar.
    Also the fact that it is used as an aphrodisiac and that it also attracts money and love, this I must definitely try 🙂 it helps to place into realizations your wishes (hope to win one of these lovely perfumes).
    If I win …. I want
    100 ml of Olfactive Studio Lumiere Blanche or
    30 ml Vanille Tonka Parfums de Nicolai or
    30 ml Autore de Parfum Patchouli Tonka or
    30ml Yiska Talluleh Jane ALL NATURAL
    I am an international reader. Thank you for this draw.

  • meganinstmaxime says:

    I didn’t really know anything about Tonka so everything in this article was really interesting. I did find it slightly amusing that the women have control over the harvest in lean years when the family needs to make their smaller earnings last but in better harvest years the men take over! I’m in the EU and would love to win any perfume that is available for my region except for Vanille Tonka as I already have this and it is a beauty. Thanks.

  • The only thing I knew before reading was that tonka was vanilla-like. I find it amazing that the trees can live to be 1000 years old and that it’s note can enhance so many different types of fragrance. I am in the U.S. and I would be thrilled to win any of these fragrances as I own not one of them. Thank you.

  • Phanie Constanda says:

    Hello,
    very interesting article
    Tonka bean has been used in perfumerie but also pastry making
    Prohibited in foods in the US though
    Although aromatically sweet , it has a bitter taste
    Very popular among vintage and indie natural perfumes
    Guerlain Shalimar is a typical example
    I would love to try Olfactive Studio Lumiere Blanche and Parfums de Nicolai Vanile tonka
    I am a UK resident
    Thanks for the givaway

  • didn’t know it brings luck ! one of my favorite ingredients. would like any of the perfumes shipped to europe, especially Nicolai or olfactive studio.

  • The appetite suppression component of coumarin is something new I learned along with the US and EU differences on its use in foods. I also did not know the coumarin came from tonka beans, I would enjoy the Parfums de Nicolai Vanille Tonka, the Bond #9 New Haarlem, or the Tallulah Jane Yiska. thanks

  • Rose Boheme? clearly, i was having an aromatic hallucination. it’s clearly GYPSY that’s offered.

  • Love the fact that it is associated with Venus the Goddess of Love!
    This was a wonderful and delightful article. I would love to win them all, but I’ll choose Gypsy by Providence Perfume, Woo by House of Matriarch, Yiska by Talluleh Jane, and last but not least Tambela by tea Olive. Pick Me!!!

  • Incredible article. Tonka is great along with coumarin. The taste is interesting. Quite a history of use. Anti-inflammatory mmmm, who would have thought. Hair tonic…eeek. Vodka, masking odor, 1001 way to use Tonka. Ghee whiz. Superior article thank you.
    I believe my choices would be Woo Matriarc, New Haarlem, Nicolai Vanille Tonka, Providence Gypsy & Olfactive Studio Lumiere Blanche. Super, thanks for a wonderful draw.

  • Elizabeth T. says:

    The EU is regulating cinnamon use now? What’s next…
    Loved the article. Would also love to win one of the following… Nicolai Vanille Tonka, OO Carolina, Woo, or Tambela Tea Olive. What a fun draw, thank you!

  • I love the scent of tonka. A long time ago (in the 70s) I would get them at an herb farm that sold herbs and such for home potpourri making. I had no idea it was a sign of good luck and an aphrodisiac! Yahoo! I would love the Nicolai Vanille Tonka, The Providence Gypsy, Lumiere Blanche.
    Thank you!

  • It’s fascinating that something so sweet-smelling can taste so bad. I would love to win Bond New Haarlem, Olfactive Studio Lumiere Blanche, or Tea Olive Tambela. I’m in the US. Thanks!

  • Thank you again for this great draw! Iam from the US. I found it interesting that it is used as a vanilla note in tobacco, and that it is outlawed in food use in the US. I also liked learning how tonka absolute is achieved.

    I would love to win:

    Lumiere Blanche
    Bond No 9 New Haarlem
    30ml Yiska Talluleh Jane ALL NATURAL

  • The inedible nature of something that smells so edible seems like a cruel joke! It’s even visually cruel; the photo you used of the shaved tonka bean makes my mouth water.

    Were I selected, I would love Lumiere Blanche, Tea Olive Tambela (osmanthus has similar qualities for me), New Haarlem, or Woo. I am in the USA.

    P.S. the link for Gypsy doesn’t seem to work…could be me though.

  • sillage2infinity says:

    I feel like a ding-a-ling that I had no idea tonka bean was the source of coumarin. That Nicaraguan drink made from boiled seeds mixed with water or coconut milk and sugar sounds like a divine elixir.

    Any of these would delight me (USA):

    Olympic Orchids Carolina
    Olfactive Studio Lumiere Blanche
    Bond No 9 New Haarlem
    30ml Yiska Talluleh Jane

  • I didn’t know anything about tonka bean before reading this article except tonka is supposed to smell like vanilla and is used in a lot of perfumes. I learned that it was a source of coumarin and that coumarin is toxic to the liver if ingested, but it is used as tobacco additive. Coumarin comes from the French term coumarou. There’s a lot to learn here.

    Please consider me for these:
    Bond no. 9 New Haarlem
    House of Matriarch Woo
    Olfactive Studio Lumiere Blanche
    Patchouli Tonka

    I am in the U.S.

  • Thanks for the fascinating piece. How odd that despite the warm and sweet scent, tonka would taste bitter. This is a testament to the other components the nose mixes into the scent, and reminds me of the powerfully bitter taste of 100% dark chocolate… despite the warm and sweet component it adds to many scents.

    Amazing that the trees can grow to be 1,000 years old – imagine the history that they have been witness to. This is the first crop I have heard of in which the yield determines which gender will control the resulting income. Normally gender roles surround planting, harvesting, etc. so this is quite a switch.

    Thanks for the introduction to buffalo grass vodka – something I’d also love to sample!

    I’m in the U.S. and would love to try Gypsy or Yiska. I wonder if I put bottles of them in a mojo bag if they would draw money, paying for themselves? Thanks for the opportunity to give this a try!

  • Had no idea how tonka beans were harvested. Found it fascinating that they are soaked in rum, one of my favorite notes.
    I am in the US and would love to win Olfactive Studio Lumiere Blanche, Parfums de Nicolai Vanille Tonka, Olympic Orchids Artisan Perfumes Carolina, or Tambela Perfumes Tea Olive.
    Thank you for the draw.

  • tomate farcie says:

    so now I’m going to throw 7 tonka beans in the river and my wishes will come true, so easy! I’m in the US. My choices are PdN Vanille Tonka, Lumiere Blanche, Gypsy, Bond New Haarlem

  • What a wonderful & timely article. I am working on a vanilla accord & I have everything but Tonka. I think it may be just what I need. I really enjoyed learning about this magic beans medicinal & spiritual use. Learning that it is soaked in rum before extraction though is really exciting & I’d love to hear more about this. I would love to try any of the naturals especially Gypsy by Providence Perfume, & Tea Olive by Tambela Perfumes, Woo by Matriarch (oh Ambergris!) and Yiska by Talluelah Jane also sound amazing.

  • I’m most amused that tonk a beans are used as an aphrodisiac, lol!
    I live in South Africa and would love to win Lumiere Blanche and/or Carolina from Olympic Orchids.

  • I didn’t know the harvest of the Tonka bean crop is handled by a different gender depending on the yield. I also enjoyed learning about how the beans soaked in rum before being shipping off for fragrance extraction. The perfumes I would like to win are Tea Olive by Tambela Perfumes, New Haarlem by Bond No 9, Yiska by Tallulah Jane,Woo by Mariarch, or Gypsy by Providence Perfumes. I’m in the US and thanks for the draw!

  • I confess to not knowing about tonka beans history although I notice they are listed in so many perfumes
    1000yr old trees and the beans are an inch long!
    Like many others it was interesting to see that gender plays a part in the harvesting
    USA
    I would be thrilled with any of these perfumes since many are on my wish list to try

  • Sounds like my kind of bean, tonka bean. I live in the EU and would love to try Olfactive Studio Lumiere Blanche and Parfums de Nicolai Vanile tonka.

  • Interesting! I didn’t know it was banned in US foods. Too bad, I’d love to taste it.

    I live in the US and would be happy to try any that are available for US winners. Especially the ones by Olfactive Studio, Bond No 9, Providence Perfume Co, and Nicolai.

  • Great article about one of my favorites! I think it is amazing how the tonka bean tree can live about 1,000 years!
    I would love to win Providence Perfume Gypsy and Tambela Perfumes Tea Olive. I live in the US. Thanks for the draw!

  • susie frankel says:

    Tonka bean is a big favorite of mine. Reading the article I now know why – courage, money, sex, health, protection. And more.
    USA
    Woo for the Natural…Tambela Tea Olive, Bond No. 9 New Haarlem..as my other choices.
    Thanks for this Tonka draw.

  • Tonka one of my favorite notes in fragrance. I did not realize that here in the US the use of tonka beans in food is prohibited, but allowed in the tobacco industry where it adds a unique vanilla note to tobacco and snuff. And the trees can grow to be a 1000 years old. Interesting. I am in the US and my choices are Lumiere Blanche or Woo. As always thanks for the generous draw.

  • I didn’t know tonka beans couldn’t be used in food in the US…and I didn’t know it had so many different uses, and that it was both bitter and sweet…and it explains why so many of my fragrances with tonka bean turn a little musky!

    I am in the US and I would love to win any of them, but especially
    Vanilla Tonka, New Haarlem, Lumiere Blanche, or Woo!

  • I love the scent of Tonka! I was aware of its use but all those uses in the food industry were new to me! The harvest and processing details were very interesting too! I will try to find a love potion recipe too now!!
    If I won I wiuld pefer Carolina, Lumiere Blanche, Vanille Tonka, Gypsyo or Yiska!!

  • I didn’t know much about tonka beans until I read this article, so it was all interesting to me. I guess the most interesting facts were that the trees can live to be 1,000 years old and that in some years there is a large harvest of the beans and in other years, there are fewer beans produced. I am in the US. If a winner, my choice would be any of the following: Lumiere Blanche, Vanille Tonka (de Nicolai), Autore de Parfum Patchouli Tonka, Bond No. 9 New Haarlem, Yiska Talluleh Jane, or Tea Olive Tambela.

  • Elise, another lovely and extremely informative article – thank you! I was just reading recently about the whole coumarin in cinnamon thing, it’s funny that you should bring this up in this article. I’ve been taking cinnamon capsules to help with blood sugar and had heard about the liver issue. When I was pregnant with my son last year I found out I had a Factor V Leiden clotting disorder and will have to take daily blood thinner injections next time i’m pregnant. Guess I’ll have to avoid the cinnamon and get my fix of coumarins via tonka-lush perfumes! 🙂 that’s no hardship, I assure you! I’m very intrigued by the varying gender roles of gathering the beans depending on the harvest yield. And appetite suppressant qualities? Has the weight loss community gotten ahold of this? LOL. It’s amazing to me how nature has evolved, to keep animals from eating it. As I make my own vanilla extract, I’m kind of fascinated by the idea of soaking some tonka beans in some type of alcohol… and not surprised at all to hear the US bans it in food. Gotta love the FDA!

  • Oops! I forgot to add which perfumes I’d like to be entered for with my comment above. My bad! I live in the US also.

    Olfactive Studio Lumiere Blanche

    Vanille Tonka Parfums de Nicolai

    Autore de Parfum Patchouli Tonka

    Bond No 9 New Haarlem

    Carolina from Olympic Orchids Artisan perfumes

    GYPSY Providence Perfume Co

    House of Matriarch Woo

    Yiska Talluleh Jane

    Tea Olive Tambela Perfumes

    Thank you!

  • Thanks for such an informative article explaining how tonka is prepared. I never knew it’s in Shalimar, and I didn’t know about the fougere connection. What wasn’t mentioned is one of my new favorite scents – Reminiscence “Tonka” The only other tonka scent I own, and love is PDN Vanille Tonka, which is delish! I look forward to (hopefully) trying Woo, New Haarlem, Carolina and Lumiere Blanche. Thanks for the draw, and I’m in the US.

  • I enjoyed reading about tonka harvesting and learning about the magical uses as well as the fact that the US bans it in food and the EU doesn’t
    The article was beautifully illustrated and I especially loved the shalimar art by Ms Prache
    It’s for sale and I may by it
    I would love to win lumiere Blanche new Haarlem gypsy woo tea olive
    Vanille tonka de nicolai
    I never heard of patchouli tonka by autor de Parfums before and their line looks worth exploring but I not eligible as I am US

  • Thank you for the excellent article and the draw. It is interesting to know that for such a delicious smelling perfume ingredient, the tonka plant itself is an appetite suppressant. I’m very appreciative of what tonka bean has done for perfumery and shudder to think of a world without Shalimar.
    I would live to win Lumiere Blanche or Vanille Tonka. I am in Australia.

  • Diane Wright says:

    I did not realize coumarin was an appetite supressant. I am in the US and would like to try either New Harlem or Gypsy. Thanks for the draw.

  • I didn’t know that the harvest is handled by a different gender depending on the yield. My choices would be Lumière Blanche, Vanille Tonka, Patchouli Tonka or Yiska. Thanks for the draw! 🙂

  • Such a wonderful ingredient, tonka, and so fun to write about. I love reading everyone’s comments to see what you all take away from each piece. Thanks so much for reading and for all the kind words!

  • I didn’t know that coumarin was a component of tonk a. Actually I knew nothing about tonk a , so everything was a relavation. I am in the US and I would like to win Lumiere Blanche, Woo, Gypsy, Carolina or Tea Olive. Thank you.

  • Although tonka is one of my favourite notes, I didn’t know about its complexities. I was surprised that it has a bitter taste and even more surprised to learn that it is toxic in large quantities – I love some artisanal chocolates with tonka bean that are sold here in Brussels, but I will try to eat less of them now 🙂
    I’d love to win Lumiere Blanche, Vanille Tonka, Patchouli Tonka, Yiska and maybe Carolina if it’s also available for me, as I live in Belgium (EU).

  • I didn’t know that tonka is an appetite suppressant. My choices/ for europe / would be Lumière Blanche, Vanille Tonka, Patchouli Tonka or Yiska. Thanks for the draw!

  • Thank you very much for the article. I didn’ t know before that tonka goes well with cinnamone.
    I’m an international reader. Would like to have Vanille tonka by Parfums de Nicolai, Bond 9 New Haarlem, Woo or Yiska if I win )

  • What a fascinating article! I’m really interested in Ethnobotany so reading about Tonka beans not only from the perfumery perspective, but also learning about the ethnobotanical uses was an extra joy for me. I can easily believe how people associated Tonka with Venus-Aphrodite; its smell says all – Love!
    I’m in the E.U. and I’m especially interested in “Vanille Tonka by Nicolai”. I’d love to try “Olfactive Studio Lumiere Blanche”, “Yiska Talluleh” & “Autore de Parfum Patchouli Tonka” as well 🙂

  • This was a great article.I recently discovered Tonka ( and my love of it in fragrances.) I knew virtually nothing about it before reading this extremely informative article.I was very surprised to learn that it can suppress your appetite.I am in the US and truthfully would be ecstatic to win/try any of these – but the ones I am most excited about are :,Patchouli Tonka,Woo, Vanille Tonka and Gypsy. Thank you for such an amazing draw 🙂

  • All the ingredient feature articles are wonderful and informative, a real joy to read, including Tonka! It’s a favorite note. I didn’t know there were so many sources of coumarin, or that such a delicious smell/substance has appetite-suppressant qualities–weird. The section at the end on other uses and associations was great fun, as usual–it’s the love bean! Should have a cheesy theme song or something.

    Any of these fragrances would be a blessing to try. Especially Woo!
    Also very interested by Lumiere Blanche, Vanille Tonka, Tea Olive, Carolina, Gypsy, New Haarlem, Patchouli Tonka.

  • I remember hearing about the cassia cinnamon in pastries being harmful, but I didn’t realize that coumarin was the culprit! And also, I learned it’s in my beloved buffalo grass vodka (which I was introduced to one night in Amsterdam many years ago by a ne’er-do-well drug dealer I met by chance…) Thanks, Elise, for another informative, beautifully written article. I live in the U.S. and my choices are, in this order: Vanille Tonka, Lumiere Blanche, Autore de Parfum Patchouli Tonka, Gypsy, Tea Olive, Yiska, Carolina, Woo and New Haarlem.

  • Had no idea that tonka was bitter tasting. Always thought it was nutty and sweet like the confections that had tonka in the name.

    Thanks for the contest. I live in the U.S. and would love to win Olfactive Studio Lumiere Blanche, Vanille Tonka Parfums de Nicolai, Bond No 9 New Haarlem or any of the ones listed.

  • I would be happy to win any of these fragrances. I loved learning about all the folk magic and superstitions around the tonka bean! I live in the US. Thank you!

  • Cynthia Richardson says:

    Very informative article. I learned that the Tonka bean oil is extracted from the seed of the Dipteryx odorata. The oil is composed primarily of coumarin, which is used to flavor tobacco. It is neither a pressed oil, nor an essential oil, but was traditionally obtained by soaking the large, single tonka bean seed in rum or other alcohol for 24 hours, after which crystals of coumarin appear on the outside of the seed, and are collected. In more recent years, most commercially produced coumarin is synthetic, which has reduced the demand for tonka beans as a crop.
    I would love to try any of them, but New Haarlem sounds interesting.

    Cynthia.Richardson@azbar.org

  • A great read- Thanks! I was interested to learn thatcoumarin has appetite suppressing effects and manufactured by grasses etc to discourage grazing animals. I reckon its precisely there to protect it from marauding bats that like to eat the fruit. having just returned from Fiji where the Bats are rampant over the Mango and banana trees right now!
    I’m international . I’d choose 100 ml of Olfactive Studio Lumiere Blanche , 30ml Yiska Talluleh Jane,30 ml Vanille Tonka Parfums de Nicolai

  • Joe Tetelman says:

    What a great read. I would love to win Bond New Haarlem, Olfactive Studio Lumiere Blanche, or Tea Olive Tambela. I’m in the US! Thanks.

  • I love that the tree can live a 1000 years! I learned many other things as well. I would like to try one of the following: Tea Olive, Bond 9 or Yiska. Thanks for the very informative article!

  • I love reading your articles on each separate note so I get more detailed info on their history and use. I didn’t know anything about Courmarin. I would get dozens of tonka beans and throw 7 of them for each of my wishes 🙂
    I would to win
    New Harlem, Lumiere Blanche,or Yiska Talluleh Jane
    Thanks US

  • Lovely article and it is interesting that tonka contains courmain naturally since I associate it with synthetics
    I am a bit short this month on money and just broke off with my boyfriend so I am in search of tonka
    I never associated tonka with shalimar or florals
    I would love to try any of the perfumes with the exception of patchouli tonka since I am not eligible
    Rose Boheme from providence, yiska and all the naturals would be grand to try

  • I didn’t know coumarin was being synthesised as early as the 1860s! I’d be interested to compare synthetic and natural tonka.

    I’m in Australia. I would love to enter the draw for the following (thank you!)…

    Olfactive Studio Lumiere Blanche
    Vanille Tonka Parfums de Nicolai
    Carolina from Olympic Orchids
    Yiska Talluleh Jane

  • Very informative! I enjoyed learning more about tonka and its uses. How interesting that “the paste of the bean may be mixed with milk to make a sweet beverage with aphrodisiac properties,” as is done in South America. Sounds yummy! I’d love to win Lumiere Blanche, New Haarlem, Tambela Tea Olive, or the all natural Gypsy by Providence Perfume. Thanks for the draw! I’m in the U.S.

  • leathermountain says:

    Fascinating! I’m especially interested to know about the overlap of tonka, lavender and cinnamon, which liquors I can find my coumarin in, and that I wasn’t crazy for thinking that coumarin sounds like Coumadin! Long live cinnamon buns. Oh, and busting the myth of the odorless fern — now I want to go fern-smelling for myself. Thank you for such a wonderful article. I’m in the US, and I would love to win any of these scents. My preferences: 1. Tea Olive, 2. Yiska, 3. Woo, 4. New Haarlem. Thanks again!

  • freeestyler says:

    What an interesting read. I would love to win Yiska or Vanille Tonka . I live in Germany! Thanks

  • I enjoy these type of articles every time they are posted because it opens up my knowledge of fragrance notes. I found it interesting that upon harvesting, the beans are soaked in rum for 24 hours. I wonder why specifically rum and can be some other type of alcohol? I also would probably really enjoy a rum based fragrance with tonka (sweet) with some vanilla, and plum.

    Olfactive Studio Lumiere Blanche, Vanille Tonka Parfums de Nicolai, Bond No 9 New Haarlem, Carolina from Olympic Orchids, Yiska Talluleh Jane, or Tea Olive Tambela are my choices

    USA

  • I love this article! I enjoyedlearning about the magical aspects of tonka and that it grows in the amazon
    Myhusband is frombelgium and his family sends us tonka chocolate bars
    Delicious
    My choice is rose boheme lumiere noir vanilla tonka but any sound fabulous

  • I have sweet woodruff growing in my garden so I was interested to learn that it contains high levels of coumarin. It does have a lovely sweet hay like scent.

    My choice of scents are Olfactive Studio Lumiere Blanche, Parfums de Nicolai Vanille Tonka and Yiska Talluleh Jane. I am a UK reader.

  • The love bean? I don’t feel that love at all. I just received some tonka beans & despite being perceived as the love bean & in the same aroma category as vanilla. I find it repulses me, but I love vanilla.

  • Oh btw, I will like to receive the following perfumes:
    15 ml of Tea Olive Tambela Perfumes
    15 ml GYPSY Providence Perfume Co ALL NATURAL USA-perfumer Charna Ethier
    30 ml Vanille Tonka Parfums de Nicolai – Worldwide
    100 ml of Olfactive Studio Lumiere Blanche worldwide Perfumer Sidonie Lancesseur

  • A wonderful stimulating read as always! I’ve wondered for a while what the fougere fragrance family really has to do with ferns — so interesting to know that ferns contain some coumarin after all! I knew tonka is forbidden in food in the US, but I had no idea that cassia, Żubrówka, and Maiwein are all delicious in part because of coumarinic goodness!

    I’m in the US, and I would love to win one of the following:
    Tea Olive by Tambela
    Yiska by Tallulah Jane
    Woo by House of Matriarch

    Thank you for the article and for the draw!

  • I didn’t know about the relationship between fougeres and tonka at all! I also love to hear the medicinal and spiritual uses of the plants in these articles; often, I already know some of them, but I didn’t this time.

    I would love to win almost any of these! In order, my choices are Olfactive Studios Lumiere Blanche, House of Matriarch Woo, Bond 9 New Haarlem, Parfums Nicolai Vanille Tonka, Providence Perfume Gypsy, Tambela Tea Olive, or Olympic Orchids Carolina. I live in the US; thank you so much for this wonderful article and draw!

  • Wow I had no idea trees could live that long! That’s insane.

    My choices would be

    100 ml of Olfactive Studio Lumiere Blanche
    30 ml Vanille Tonka Parfums de Nicolai
    15 ml Carolina from Olympic Orchids Artisan perfumes
    30ml Yiska Talluleh Jane ALL NATURAL

    I’m international.

  • I didn’t know tonka bean brought good luck. That’s good to know! I’d like

    100 ml of Olfactive Studio Lumiere Blanche ,
    30ml Yiska Talluleh Jane,
    30 ml Vanille Tonka Parfums de Nicolai
    15 ml Carolina from Olympic Orchids Artisan perfumes -Perfumer Ellen Covey

    I’m an international reader.

  • There is a hand cream I adore. Actually two… both ( Pre de Province and Le Occitane) hand cream MILK. I have searched for 20 years to figure out the scent, and at long last I finally discovered the list of ingredients on the back of a sample cream last week and found what I was looking for!! It was Coumarin mixed with Limonene. This led me to learn about Tonka beans. Now my mystery is finally solved, and you and your fascinating article have added so much insight.
    Thank you!
    Constance