Cinnamon

Guide Note

Cinnamon is a spice used in both sweet and savory dishes because of its pungent odor and flavor.

It comes from the bark of a small evergreen tree native to Sri Lanka and south India. The flavor comes from an essential oil that makes up less than 1% of its composition.

Most cinnamon sold in the United States is actually Cassia, a bark that is similar to cinnamon but with a stronger flavor and a harder and thicker bark.

Cinnamon is commonly used in desserts, coffee drinks, cereals, and Middle Eastern food.

Fast Facts

1. Scientific name: Cinnamomum zeylanicum
2. Can be used as an insect repellent
3. Caution: May contain blood thinning compounds

Harvest

The cinnamon is harvested by allowing the tree to grow for two years and then cutting them down. Many shoots sprout up from the root system. These shoots are collected, the bark is removed and cinnamon sticks are extracted from the bark.

Benefits

Cinnamon is used to freshen breath and provide some relief for toothaches.