Cinnamon, a beloved spice known for its distinct aroma and flavor, is derived from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum tree. The harvesting process involves carefully removing the outer bark, revealing the thin, fragrant inner bark. This inner bark is then dried, resulting in the formation of cinnamon sticks or quills. These quills can be further processed into ground cinnamon powder or extracted to create cinnamon extract.
Varieties of Cinnamon
There are several species of Cinnamomum trees that produce cinnamon, each with its own unique characteristics:
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Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum): Also known as “true cinnamon,” Ceylon cinnamon is native to Sri Lanka and is considered the highest quality variety. It is characterized by its delicate, sweet flavor and light brown color.
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Cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia): Cassia cinnamon is the most common type found in supermarkets. It is native to China and has a stronger, more pungent flavor than Ceylon cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon is typically darker in color and has a thicker texture.
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Indonesian cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmannii): Indonesian cinnamon, also known as Padang cassia, is native to Indonesia. It has a flavor that is similar to cassia cinnamon but with a slightly sweeter note.
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Vietnamese cinnamon (Cinnamomum loureiroi): Vietnamese cinnamon, also known as Saigon cinnamon, is native to Vietnam. It has a strong, spicy flavor and is often used in Vietnamese cuisine.
Culinary Uses of Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a versatile spice used in a wide range of culinary applications:
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Baking: Cinnamon is a staple ingredient in many baked goods, such as cinnamon rolls, cookies, cakes, and pies. It adds a warm, sweet flavor and aroma to these treats.
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Savory dishes: Cinnamon is also used in savory dishes, such as curries, stews, and meat dishes. It adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to these dishes.
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Beverages: Cinnamon is a popular ingredient in hot beverages, such as tea, coffee, and hot chocolate. It adds a cozy, aromatic touch to these drinks.
Health Benefits of Cinnamon
In addition to its culinary uses, cinnamon has also been associated with several health benefits:
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Antioxidant properties: Cinnamon contains antioxidants that help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
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Anti-inflammatory properties: Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
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Blood sugar control: Cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar levels, making it a beneficial spice for people with diabetes.
How to Choose High-Quality Cinnamon
When selecting cinnamon, there are a few key factors to consider:
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Type: Ceylon cinnamon is generally considered the highest quality variety, but cassia cinnamon is more readily available and affordable.
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Color: True cinnamon has a light brown color, while cassia cinnamon is darker and reddish-brown.
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Texture: Ceylon cinnamon is thin and delicate, while cassia cinnamon is thicker and coarser.
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Aroma: True cinnamon has a sweet, delicate aroma, while cassia cinnamon has a stronger, more pungent aroma.
Cinnamon is a versatile and flavorful spice with a rich history and a wide range of culinary and health benefits. Whether you prefer the delicate sweetness of Ceylon cinnamon or the bolder flavor of cassia cinnamon, incorporating this spice into your diet can add a touch of warmth, aroma, and flavor to your meals and beverages.
It just goes stale, like any other spice, and loses its bite.
Furthermore, a large portion of the cinnamon found in supermarkets and grocery stores is a mystery food, just like a large portion of mass-marketed brand products.
The bark comes from an unknown source. There is no information about processing and aging factors, so who knows how old it is?
So, if you want the real deal, without any oxidized oils and bitter after taste, you’ve got to grind your cinnamon fresh.
Have you ever noticed that most cinnamon purchased from stores has a bitter aftertaste?
You will never have that experience again if you use genuine, freshly ground cinnamon.
Industrially processed cinnamon typically tastes somewhat bittersweet and lacks the depth of flavor that real cinnamon provides.
Many people (including myself!) view freshly ground cinnamon as a stand-alone sweetener because it retains all of its essential oils, nutrients, and rich flavor. We grind our cinnamon by hand in your kitchen. You won’t believe the taste difference if you buy it fresh and grate it yourself!
Why Ceylon Cinnamon Is So Expensive | So Expensive
FAQ
What is cinnamon derived from?
What is the main ingredient in cinnamon?
How do I know if my cinnamon is Ceylon or cassia?
Is there fake cinnamon flavor?
What is cinnamon & how is it made?
Cinnamon is a spice created from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum tree. Strips of the inner bark are dried until they curl into rolls known as cinnamon sticks or quills. These can then be ground into powder or made into an extract. The unique properties of this spice come from its essential oils and compounds, particularly cinnamaldehyde ( 1 ).
How do I use cinnamon?
You can sprinkle cinnamon in your coffee or add it to the powder before brewing, or season roasted or grilled fruits like apples and bananas with a dash of cinnamon. You can also season roasted cauliflower, sweet potatoes, spaghetti, and butternut squash with a dash of cinnamon, or mix cinnamon with melted dark chocolate and walnuts.
What is cinnamon actually?
What Is Cinnamon, Actually? True cinnamon is Ceylon soft bark cinnamon (also known as Cinnamomum verum ), which is made from the actual bark of a tree native to the islands of Sri Lanka, near the southern tip of India.
What is Ceylon cinnamon made of?
It’s made from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree. Ceylon is tan-brown in color and contains many tight sticks with soft layers. These features provide a highly desirable quality and texture. Ceylon cinnamon is less common and has long been prized as a cooking spice. It is quite expensive compared to the more common cassia variety.