Cinnamon

Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices in history, with a use that can be traced back to ancient Egypt. It is made from the bark of trees from the Cinnamomum Genus. There are different types of cinnamon, but the two most popular are Ceylon and Cassia. Ceylon cinnamon is lighter and more delicate in flavour, while Cassia cinnamon is darker and has a more intense flavour. Cinnamon is used in both sweet and savoury dishes, and it can also be used as a flavouring in drinks. Our organic cinnamon comes in three forms: powdered, whole sticks and pieces.

The interesting history of cinnamon.

Cinnamon is a spice that has been used for centuries in many different cultures.

Cinnamon was used by the ancient Egyptians as part of their embalming process.
Cinnamon was first mentioned in a Chinese medical text from the third century BC.
The Romans used cinnamon as a perfume.
In the Bible, cinnamon is mentioned as one of the ingredients used to make holy anointing oil.
Cinnamon was very popular during the Middle Ages. At this time, cinnamon was so valuable that it was worth more than gold!

Exploration and trade played an important role in making cinnamon available to people all over the world. Nowadays, cinnamon is used in all sorts of foods and drinks, from curries to desserts. Cinnamon even has some benefits.

Cinnamomum Verum and Cinnamomum Cassia.

There are 5 well known spieces of trees in the Cinnamomum genus. All these species are used to produce what we call cinnamon, but only two are used globally.

The Verum tree is mostly found in Sri Lanka. It's cinnamon is best known as Ceylon cinnamon. Sri Lanka produces 80-90% of the world’s supply of Ceylon cinnamon.
The Cassia tree thrives in China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. China is the biggest producer of Cassia cinnamon, but we currently get our Cassia from Indonesia.

Ceylon cinnamon, also known as true cinnamon is lighter in color and has a thinner bark. It is also more delicate in flavor. Cassia cinnamon is darker in color and has a thicker bark. It is also more pungent in flavor. Cassia cinnamon is the more common of the two and is what you would find in your local grocery store. Ceylon cinnamon is more expensive and harder to find. It is worth seeking out though, as it has a more complex flavor that pairs well with sweet and savory dishes alike.

Apart from these two, there are other types of cinnamon such as Burmannii (Padang Cassia), Loureiroi (Vietnamese Cinnamon), and Citriodorum (Malabar cinnamon) but they’re not as popular.

The benefits of cinnamon

Cinnamon is an aromatic spice with many health benefits. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a wide variety of ailments.

Cinnamon contains Coumarin

Coumarin is a natural chemical compound found in many plants, including cinnamon. Coumarin has a sweet, woody scent and is used as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages. In addition to its culinary uses, it also has medicinal properties. Coumarin is a natural anticoagulant and is used in the treatment of venous thrombosis. Ceylon cinnamon contains only trace amounts of it.

Losing weight with cinnamon

It's not only possible, but it can be quite effective.

Cinnamon and Pregnancy

Overall, cinnamon is a safe and healthy spice for pregnant women to consume. It has many benefits that can help to improve the health of both the mother and the baby. Cinnamon can also help to reduce inflammation and is a good source of antioxidants.

Do you need Cinnamon Sticks or Powder?

When it comes to cinnamon, there are three main forms that you'll find at the store: cinnamon sticks, ground cinnamon, and cinnamon extract. So, which one should you use for your recipe?

Cinnamon sticks are the bark of the cinnamon tree and are usually sold in small bundles. They're perfect for adding a cinnamon flavor to beverages like coffee or tea, and can also be used as a stirrer. We sell cinnamon sticks both whole and cut into chunks. Use whatever is most practical to your purpose.
Ground cinnamon is, well, ground-up cinnamon sticks. It's ideal for baking and other recipes where you need a measured amount of cinnamon. When using cinnamon powder in cooking, it is important to add it early in the cooking process so that the flavor has time to develop. Too much cinnamon can be overpowering, so use it sparingly. Cinnamon powder is also used to make spice blends.
Finally, cinnamon extract is a concentrated form of cinnamon flavor that's perfect for flavoring frosting, ice cream, and other sweet treats.

How much cinnamon per day?

So, how much cinnamon should you consume per day? The amount that is recommended varies depending on the source. However, most experts recommend consuming one to two teaspoons per day. When it comes to cinnamon, a little goes a long way! So, add it to your diet in moderation and enjoy the health benefits it provides.