Beaver anal secretions are sometimes used to flavor vanilla, treat anxiety

Thanks to a TikTok video, I now know that artificial vanilla flavoring has historically been derived in part by castoreum, a chemical that comes from the anal glands of beavers.

@sloowmoee @shaylanmarieee TRIED TO MORDOR ME ♬ original sound – Sloowmoee

Upon further research, I can indeed confirm that castoreum is recognized a legitimate food additive by the Food and Drug Administration of American. — Read the rest