Benzoin
Benzoin is a natural gum, that is collected from a small tree in Asia.
Farmers carve lacerations on the tree trunk, and harvest the bleeding milky latex. The balsamic resin oxidizes and solidifies into small amber chunks of dried resin called “tears”. Benzoin tears yield wonderful extracts, in the form of tinctures absolutes or resinoids.
In fragrances, benzoin is a useful fixative. In flavors, it is used extensively for its balsamic character in vanilla flavors.
If you would like more information, please contact Marietta Zino at mzino@vigon.com or 570-422-6022.