FlavScents AInsights Entry: Wild Cherry Bark Essence (CAS: 84604-07-9)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Wild Cherry Bark Essence
- CAS Number: 84604-07-9
- FEMA Number: Data not found
- Other Identifiers: FL number not clearly reported; IFRA reference not specified
- Material Type: Natural complex material derived from the bark of Prunus serotina
- Description: Wild cherry bark essence is a natural extract obtained from the bark of the wild cherry tree. It is characterized by its complex mixture of constituents, which contribute to its unique sensory properties.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Wild cherry bark essence is known for its distinctive sweet, almond-like aroma with a hint of bitterness. The flavor profile is often described as a combination of sweet, woody, and slightly spicy notes, making it a popular choice for adding depth and complexity to flavor formulations. The intensity of the aroma is moderate, with a diffusion that allows it to blend well with other ingredients. It is typically used as a background realism note or a modifier in both flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Wild cherry bark essence is naturally sourced from the bark of the Prunus serotina tree, commonly found in North America. The essence is typically obtained through steam distillation or solvent extraction processes. The presence of benzaldehyde, a key constituent, is responsible for its characteristic almond-like aroma. This material is often used in products labeled as "natural flavor" due to its natural origin.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Wild cherry bark essence is utilized in a variety of flavor categories, including confectionery, beverages, and baked goods. It serves as a functional component that enhances the overall flavor profile by providing a sweet, nutty undertone. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 5 to 50 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and application. The essence is generally stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic environments.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In the fragrance industry, wild cherry bark essence is incorporated into various fragrance families, such as gourmand and woody compositions. It acts as a trace realism note or a modifier, contributing to the complexity and depth of the fragrance. The essence is typically used in concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 1% in the final product, depending on the desired effect. Its volatility allows it to function as a middle note, providing a lasting impression.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
- Benzaldehyde: Major constituent contributing to the almond-like aroma
- Coumarin: Provides sweet, vanilla-like notes
- Cinnamic acid: Adds a spicy, warm character
Composition may vary based on the origin, harvest, and processing methods of the raw material.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for flavor use; specific FEMA number not found
- European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number not specified
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit
- Asia: Limited specific data; generally aligns with international standards
- Latin America: Data not clearly reported; typically follows international guidelines
Regulatory approvals are generally harmonized, but specific country regulations should be verified.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Considered safe for use in food products within typical use levels; no specific ADI or MSDI reported
- Dermal Exposure: Generally non-irritating at typical fragrance concentrations; IFRA guidelines should be consulted
- Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk; occupational exposure limits not specified
Risk profiles are similar for both food and fragrance applications, with no significant safety concerns reported.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Wild cherry bark essence is valued for its ability to impart a natural, sweet, and nutty character to formulations. It synergizes well with other sweet and spicy notes, enhancing the overall complexity of the product. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, as its distinct aroma can dominate blends. It is often under-utilized in savory applications, where it can provide unexpected depth.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on wild cherry bark essence is well-established, with consistent sensory and regulatory information available. However, specific numeric values for some regulatory and safety parameters are not clearly reported, reflecting typical industry practices. Known data gaps include detailed regional regulatory differences and comprehensive toxicological profiles.
Citation hooks: FlavScents
QA Check
- All required sections 1–9 are present
- "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
- Flavor section includes ppm ranges
- Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
- Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
- Includes section 5a for complex natural material
About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.
Generated 2026-02-25 17:05:45 GMT (p2)