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The mysterious ingredient of Peruvian balm: why is it so important in perfume and food?
Balm of Peru, also known as Peruvian balsam, comes from the tree Myroxylon balsamum var. pereirae, which grows primarily in El Salvador. This spice has a wide range of uses, including food seasoning, perfume fragrance and medicinal treatment. Balsam of Peru’s unique chemistry and its applications in a variety of areas are generating interest as more and more products rely on the ingredient.
Properties and ingredients of Peruvian balm
Peruvian balsam has a sweet aroma and is often used to flavor food and drinks. Its ingredients include about 25 different compounds, such as cinnamon oil, cinnamic acid, coumarin, etc. Balm of Peru may appear under different names on some brands' labels, but there is generally no legal requirement to label it by that name.
The main ingredients of Peruvian balm work synergistically, giving it an important position in food and perfume.
Acquisition and processing process
The process of obtaining Peruvian balsam is rather tedious, requiring the bark of the tree to be peeled off and then the resin to be absorbed using cloth. In the simple process, the fabric is first soaked in resin and heated until the resin sinks into the water. The final product is a dark brown aromatic oily liquid.
Peruvian balm with many uses
Peruvian balsam is widely used in a variety of foods and beverages, including coffee, tea, beer, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, etc. In addition, it is also added to various spices and sauces, such as Italian and Mexican ketchup and chili sauce. Not only that, Peruvian balm also occupies an indispensable position in the fragrance ingredients of perfumes and cosmetics, and can be found in various formulas from perfumes to skin care products.
In the medical field, Peruvian balsam is often used as a disinfectant and flavoring agent in medicines, and is even used in dental treatments.
Allergies and health risks
While Peruvian balm has many uses, it is also known for allergic reactions. Many international surveys list it as one of the top five ingredients that most commonly cause allergies. Allergic reactions may cause discomfort such as facial redness, itching and blisters. Some people may even develop contact dermatitis or oral inflammation.
Historical and geographical origins
The name Peruvian balm is actually a misnomer. During the early years of the Spanish conquest of Central and South America, this balm was collected in Central America and then shipped to Europe via the ports of Peru. That’s why it’s called “Peruvian balm”. Currently, Peruvian balsam is mainly exported from El Salvador, and its extraction process is still carried out by hand.
Conclusion
In summary, Peruvian balsam has multiple olfactory and taste values, which make it a place in perfume, food and medicinal products. However, while enjoying its unique aroma and taste, consumers also need to be aware of possible sources of allergies. In the future, as the public pays more attention to ingredient labeling, what new health discussions will Peruvian balm trigger?
