Coumarouna refers to a botanical term used to describe a genus of flowering tree belonging to the Rutaceae family. It comprises a single species known as Coumarouna odorata, commonly known as tonka bean tree or cumaru. Found mainly in South America, particularly in regions such as Brazil, Venezuela, and Colombia, the coumarouna tree is renowned for its aromatic qualities.
The coumarouna tree grows up to approximately 25 meters in height and features a dense, wide-spreading crown. The leaves are pinnate and composed of several small leaflets, while the tree bears small, fragrant, cream-colored flowers arranged in clusters. Notably, the coumarouna tree's most distinguishable characteristic lies in its seeds, namely the tonka beans. These seeds are dark, wrinkled, and possess a highly aromatic scent.
The tonka beans produced by the coumarouna tree have long been valued for their unique flavor and fragrance. They contain an organic compound called coumarin, which contributes to their distinctive scent reminiscent of vanilla, almond, and cinnamon. Tonka beans are widely used in culinary applications, particularly in desserts, confectionery, and beverages, as a natural flavoring agent. Furthermore, they are also utilized in various industries for their aromatic properties, including perfumery and tobacco manufacturing.
However, it's important to note that coumarouna and its derivatives, including tonka beans, contain coumarin in higher concentrations, which can be toxic if consumed in excessive amounts. Therefore, the regulatory usage of coumarouna and tonka beans in food and cosmetics is subject to certain restrictions to ensure consumer safety.
