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Cinnamon

Information for Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice derived from the inner bark of an aromatic tropical evergreen tree of the genus cinnamomum. The name comes from the Greek word kinnámomon which comes from the Phoenician language. Native to Sri Lanka, there are about 250 different types of cinnamomum grown throughout the world today. However, cinnamon from Sri Lanka is still considered to be true and the best of its kind.

The cinnamon tree grows to be about 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters) in height. Its trunk is slender and covered with thick brownish red bark, while its light green leaves are leathery. Small yellow flowers may be found throughout the tree. Cinnamon used for spice production is grown for two years and harvested on the third year producing quills from the inner bark.

As a spice, cinnamon dates back to 2000 B.C. where it was valued more than gold and used for embalming and flavoring beverages by the Egyptians. Today, this is still one of the most popular spices around. It is characterized by a fragrant and sweet scent accompanied by a warm and sweet flavor. Cinnamon is used for both sweet and savory dishes and matches well with apples, lamb, chicken, pears, oranges, berries and many more.



Photo Credit: CINNAMON VOGUE