Dipteryx odorata.
The seed of an Amazonian tree, tonka beans have a sweet taste reminiscent of vanilla and, just like this spice, are used to aromatize both savory and sweet recipes, such as cookies and custards. In the North region, folk medicine recommends that heart problems and menstrual cramps be treated with tonka beans steeped in water. It is also believed that the smell of tonka beans preserved in alcohol helps relieve headaches.
