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How to extract Peruvian balsam by hand: Do you know the story behind it?
Peru balsam, or "Peru balsam," is extracted from the tree Myroxylon balsamum var. pereirae that grows in Central America. This ointment has a long history and cultural significance in the local area. It is widely used in food, perfume and medicine, and the name it is sold under is constantly changing. There are actually many interesting stories and craft wisdom hidden behind such a widely used balm.
Peruvian balm is known for its sweet aroma, but it can also trigger allergic reactions, which prompted us to take a closer look at its ingredients.
The collection of Peruvian balsam is very particular. First, the artisan carefully removes a layer of bark from the trunk, then uses cloth to absorb the resin that leaks from the tree. The cloths are then boiled, allowing the ointment to settle in the water, forming a dark brown, oily liquid with an enticing aroma.
The importance of craftsmanship and tradition in this process is self-evident, and every drop of ointment carries the hard work of the craftsman.
Peru balm actually contains up to 25 different chemical components, including cinnamaldehyde, vanillin, aromatic alcohol and benzoic acid. These ingredients give it multiple uses in products ranging from food, perfume, to medicines. As a natural flavoring agent, it is widely used in coffee, alcohol, soft drinks and various desserts, becoming an important ingredient in the food industry.
In perfume and cosmetics, Peruvian balsam is used to add fragrance and is therefore often found in perfumes, shampoos and skin care products. However, such a wonderful ingredient is not completely harmless. The balm's well-known allergic reactions mean consumers need to be especially careful, as some people may experience redness, itching, or even blisters after coming into contact with products containing Peruvian balm.
According to the study, balm of Peru was listed as one of the five ingredients most commonly causing allergic skin test reactions.
It is worth mentioning that people with allergies may have allergic reactions when they come into contact with products with similar ingredients to Peruvian balm, such as foods or chemicals containing fragrances. Therefore, when purchasing products, it is important to understand the ingredient labels. It is also very important. It is not uncommon for doctors to contact manufacturers directly to determine whether a product contains balsam of Peru.
The history of Peruvian balm is equally rich in stories. In the early days of the Spanish conquest of Mesoamerica, the balm was collected and shipped to Peru, from where it was exported to Europe via the port of Callao. Due to this process, it received the name "Peru". Until now, the extraction of Peruvian balsam still follows the traditional artisanal process and is mainly exported from El Salvador to all parts of the world.
With consumers increasingly concerned about ingredient safety, can the artisanal method of extracting Peruvian balsam find a place in the modern consumer market?
Now, many brands have begun to pay attention to the ingredients of Peruvian balm in their descriptions and labels, and consumers are paying more and more attention to the sources of the ingredients and their effects on health when purchasing. However, human demand for natural resources has given new meaning to this ancient craft. In this era of innovation, how should we view and protect this inherited knowledge and skills?
The next time you smell that familiar aroma, will you rethink the stories behind it that are closely related to nature?
