Benzaldehyde

Benzaldehyde is an aromatic aldehyde found among the flavour compounds of many foods, most famously responsible for the unmistakable scent of bitter almonds and cherry pits. Occurring naturally in apricot and peach kernels, where it coexists with the cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin, it is also one of the most widely used synthetic flavour compounds, lending almond and cherry notes to confectionery, baked goods, beverages, and liqueurs such as amaretto. Quality control distinguishes natural from synthetic sources for labelling purposes, and formulators dose it carefully: at proper levels it is delightful, while excess gives harsh, chemical notes. Its volatility demands protective packaging in flavour systems.