Sensoric quality Sweet and hay-like, very strong. For other sweet spices, see licorice .
Coumarin crystals are visible under the epidermis of the seed.
It has come out of use, though. Main producers today are Venezuela and also Nigeria. The latter also lies behind the name of tonka's main constituent, coumarin . In spite of its hypnotic fragrance, the spice does not get mentioned often in cookbooks. Lastly, tonka beans are sometimes suggested as a substitute for bitter almonds , especially in countries where usage of bitter almonds is restricted or prohibited by national food laws.