What is cinnamon made from?
Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum. Cinnamon is used mainly as an aromatic condiment and flavouring additive in a wide variety of cuisines, sweet and savoury dishes, breakfast cereals, snackfoods, tea and traditional foods.
What is Cinnamomum?
Cinnamon is actually made from the bark of the Cinnamomum verum (or Cinnamomum zeylanicum) tree. This bark contains several special compounds that are responsible for its many health-promoting properties, including cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid and cinnamate. Why is it good for you, and how can you add it to your diet?
What is the color of cinnamon?
Cinnamon is a warm, medium shade of brown. Cinnamon is darker than shades like tan and beige but lighter than chocolate or true brown. To make cinnamon paint, mix blue and yellow into a red base before adding a small amount of white paint to lighten the shade.
What is Ceylon cinnamon called in English?
Cinnamomum verum (Ceylon Cinnamon) Often called true cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon, or soft cinnamon, this variety is native to Sri Lanka and Southern India, but is widely grown in Mexico and East Africa. It is also sometimes called soft cinnamon because of its soft texture. If you hear the term Mexican cinnamon, this is often what it refers to.
See more
What are the 4 types of cinnamon?
There are four main species of commercially cultivated cinnamon.Cinnamomum verum (Ceylon Cinnamon) ... Cinnamomum burmannii (Korintje Cinnamon) ... Cinnamomum cassia (Saigon Cinnamon) ... Cinnamomum loureiroi (Royal Cinnamon)
Is there white cinnamon?
Canella was first introduced into Britain in 1600. The Spaniards, on seeing it in America, thought it was a species of cinnamon, and brought it to Europe as 'white cinnamon. ' The corky layer of the bark can be gently beaten off, and the inner bark is dried, and exported chiefly from the Bahamas.
What are the 2 types of cinnamon?
Cinnamon is separated into two main categories: cassia cinnamon and Ceylon cinnamon. While both are harvested in sheets found beneath the bark of trees belonging to the same scientific family, they produce distinctly different products.
What is the best type of cinnamon?
Ceylon cinnamonBoth Ceylon and cassia are healthy and delicious. However, if you intend to consume large amounts of this spice or take a supplement, cassia can be harmful because of the coumarin content. At the end of the day, Ceylon cinnamon is better quality and much safer.
Which type of cinnamon is healthiest?
Ceylon cinnamon contains all of the health-promoting properties of cinnamon with none of the toxic properties, which is why it's the healthiest type of cinnamon.
How do I know if my cinnamon is Ceylon or cassia?
When it comes to colour, Ceylon Cinnamon is tan brown whereas Cassia Cinnamon takes some reddish dark brown. As far as the texture or the feel is concerned, Ceylon Cinnamon is thin and papery and forms multiple layers when rolled up.
Is Costco cinnamon Ceylon or cassia?
Does Costco sell Ceylon cinnamon? Ceylon cinnamon products are not available in Costco.
Which cinnamon is best for weight loss?
Ceylon cinnamonCinnamon is one of the healthiest spices in the world. Both types of cinnamon have health benefits, but Ceylon cinnamon is the better choice if you're going to consume it regularly.
What cinnamon Does Cinnabon use?
Makara® CinnamonUnder the canopy of the tropical forests in Indonesia, the cassia tree produces the sweet, luscious flavor that is exclusively known as Cinnabon® Makara® Cinnamon. It creates a one-of-a-kind experience you can smell and taste.
What kind of cinnamon is used in McCormick?
What Kind Of Cinnamon Does McCormick Use? The cinnamon bark is picked straight from the tree, and McCormick sources premium quality whole cinnamon, which eliminates the possibility of additional ingredients or contamination if a pre-ground product were used.
Does Ceylon cinnamon thin your blood?
Luckily, Ceylon cinnamon supplements are safer than other cinnamon supplements because they contain only trace amounts of coumarins, which can interfere with blood thinning medications and cause liver damage in high doses.
Is cinnamon anti inflammatory?
Cinnamon. Cinnamon is a popular spice often used to flavor baked treats. But cinnamon is more than just a delicious additive in our cakes. Studies have shown that the spice has anti-inflammatory properties, which can ease swelling.
Why is cassia cinnamon not healthy?
Cassia cinnamon is possibly unsafe when taken in doses larger than 6 grams daily for a long period of time. Cassia cinnamon contains a chemical called coumarin. Taking large amounts of coumarin can cause liver damage in some people, especially those who have liver disease.
What type of cinnamon lowers blood pressure?
Helps manage blood pressure Research on Ceylon cinnamon dates back to 1975 . The research concluded Ceylon cinnamon could help blood pressure. Weakening of the heart due to problems in the cardiovascular system often causes heart disease.
What is the difference between cinnamon and cassia cinnamon?
Cinnamon is warmer in tone and tan in color with a sweet flavor. Cassia is more of a reddish brown in color and has a more coarse texture, with a stronger, yet more bitter flavor.
Which type of cinnamon is best for diabetes?
Some experts suggest investing instead in Ceylon cinnamon, a milder — and pricier — variety of the spice that comes from a tree distinct from but related to cassia.
1. Cinnamomum verum (Ceylon Cinnamon)
Often called true cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon, or soft cinnamon, this variety is native to Sri Lanka and Southern India, but is widely grown in Mexico and East Africa. It is also sometimes called soft cinnamon because of its soft texture. If you hear the term Mexican cinnamon, this is often what it refers to.
2. Cinnamomum burmannii (Korintje Cinnamon)
Sometimes called Korintje cinnamon, this one is generally milder. It is very common in America — it accounts for close to 70 percent of North American cinnamon imports. Frisch describes it as "a friendly cinnamon that works for everything."
3. Cinnamomum cassia (Saigon Cinnamon)
This is most often found on supermarket shelves as Saigon cinnamon. It originates from Southeast Asia. It's pretty sweet, not super spicy. "Most of what's imported as Saigon cinnamon is actually Cinnamomum cassia, grown in Vietnam," says Frisch.
4. Cinnamomum loureiroi (Royal Cinnamon)
Sometimes called Royal cinnamon, this is harder to find on grocery store shelves, but spice purveyors often sell it. It's mostly grown in central Vietnam. "It's super sweet, super spicy," says Frisch, "Cinnamon amped up to 10."
Etymology
The English word "cinnamon", attested in English since the 15th century, deriving from the Ancient Greek κιννάμωμον ( kinnámōmon, later κίνναμον : kínnamon ), via Latin and medieval French intermediate forms. The Greek was borrowed from a Phoenician word, which was similar to the related Hebrew word קינמון ( qinnāmōn ).
History
Cinnamon has been known from remote antiquity. It was imported to Egypt as early as 2000 BC, but those who reported that it had come from China had confused it with Cinnamomum cassia, a related species.
Cultivation
Cinnamon is an evergreen tree characterized by oval-shaped leaves, thick bark and a berry fruit. When harvesting the spice, the bark and leaves are the primary parts of the plant used. Cinnamon is cultivated by growing the tree for two years, then coppicing it, i.e., cutting the stems at ground level.
Production
Cinnamon sticks are harder to counterfeit than cinnamon powder, that without reliable certification can be mixed with cassia and falsely marketed as authentic. For example, in one analysis authentic Ceylon cinnamon bark contained 143 mg/kg but marked samples contained 3462 mg/kg which the author suggested was diluted with cassia.
Food uses
Cinnamon bark is used as a spice. It is principally employed in cookery as a condiment and flavouring material. It is used in the preparation of chocolate, especially in Mexico. Cinnamon is often used in savoury dishes of chicken and lamb.
Flavour, aroma and taste
The flavour of cinnamon is due to an aromatic essential oil that makes up 0.5 to 1% of its composition. This essential oil can be prepared by roughly pounding the bark, macerating it in sea water, and then quickly distilling the whole. It is of a golden-yellow colour, with the characteristic odour of cinnamon and a very hot aromatic taste.
Health-related research
Cinnamon has a long history of use in traditional medicine as a digestive aid, however, contemporary studies are unable to find evidence of any significant medicinal or therapeutic effect.
Health Benefits
As one of the oldest spices in the world, cinnamon has long been used for its healing properties as a staple in many forms of holistic and traditional medicine. Here are some of the top benefits of this spice.
Types
The cinnamon tree is grown around the world, and approximately 250 species of the spice have been identified so far.
Nutrition Facts
A little bit of cinnamon goes a long way, and its antioxidant properties are what makes it especially beneficial to include in your diet. As little as half a teaspoon daily can have positive effects on blood sugar levels, digestion, immunity and more.
How to Use
Researchers have concluded that cinnamon health benefits can be obtained in the form of its pure bark, essential oils, in ground spice form (which is bark powder) or in extract form when its special phenolic compounds, flavonoids and antioxidants have been isolated.
Can You Have Too Much?
When used in moderation, cinnamon is generally safe and can be consumed with minimal risk of side effects.
What color is cinnamon brown?
Cinnamon is a warm, medium shade of brown. The cinnamon color code is #D2691E on the hex chart used by web designers and developers.
The history of cinnamon
The color cinnamon takes its name from the popular spice and is an accurate representation of the shade of cinnamon sticks and powder.
The meaning of cinnamon
Naturally, the color cinnamon is most strongly associated with the spice of the same name.
How to use cinnamon
Cinnamon’s likeness to both the spice after which it is named and the color of tea make it a popular choice in cafés and coffee shops. Its earthy connotations means it is suited to any setting where you wish to convey comfort, health and warmth, or capture a feeling of cosiness.
What color goes with cinnamon?
Cinnamon is a neutral color that can be paired with most shades. It looks fresh next to cream or a crisp white and can form an inviting palette when paired with other earthy shades like burnt oranges, deep reds and olive green. It can even work next to darker shades of brown, or could be brightened up next to a soft blue.
Similar colors to cinnamon
Looking for a different hue? The following colors are related to cinnamon.
What does cinnamon symbolize?
Native to Sri Lanka, cinnamon is a very positive herb that has been a symbol of fertility, love, spirituality, protection, good luck and health for centuries.
8 spiritual benefits of cinnamon
As you can see, cinnamon has a multitude of benefits which has made it one of the most traded herbs in history. Below are a few ways you can use this mystical herb in your own life:
Points to bear in mind
When it comes to burning cinnamon or using cinnamon essential oils, you need to ensure that you do not use too much or burn it too often. Although cinnamon has numerous health benefits, too much of it can have the opposite effect and can cause dizziness, fatigue, and shakiness.
Conclusion
Cinnamon is an incredibly powerful and revered herb that has a multitude of spiritual and physical healing benefits.
Overview
See also
• Canella, a plant known as "wild cinnamon" or "white cinnamon"
• Cinnamomea, a New Latin adjective meaning 'cinnamon-coloured'
• Cinnamon challenge
• List of culinary herbs and spices
Etymology
The English word "cinnamon", attested in English since the 15th century, deriving from the Ancient Greek κιννάμωμον (kinnámōmon, later κίνναμον : kínnamon), via Latin and medieval French intermediate forms. The Greek was borrowed from a Phoenician word, which was similar to the related Hebrew word קנמון (qinnāmōn).
The name "cassia", first recorded in late Old English from Latin, ultimately derives from the Hebre…
History
Cinnamon has been known from remote antiquity. It was imported to Egypt as early as 2000 BC, but those who reported that it had come from China had confused it with Cinnamomum cassia, a related species. Cinnamon was so highly prized among ancient nations that it was regarded as a gift fit for monarchs and even for a deity; a fine inscription records the gift of cinnamon …
Cultivation
Cinnamon is an evergreen tree characterized by oval-shaped leaves, thick bark and a berry fruit. When harvesting the spice, the bark and leaves are the primary parts of the plant used. Cinnamon is cultivated by growing the tree for two years, then coppicing it, i.e., cutting the stems at ground level. The following year, about a dozen new shoots form from the roots, replacing those that were cut. …
Production
In 2020, four countries accounted for 98% of the world production of cinnamon, a total of 222,122 tonnes: Indonesia, China, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka.
True cinnamon from C. verum bark can be mixed with cassia (C. cassia) as counterfeit and falsely marketed as authentic cinnamon. In one analysis, authentic Ceylon cinnamon bark contained 12-143 mg/kg of coumarin – a phenolic typically low in content in true cinnamon – but market sampl…
Food uses
Cinnamon bark is used as a spice. It is principally employed in cookery as a condiment and flavouring material. It is used in the preparation of chocolate, especially in Mexico. Cinnamon is often used in savoury dishes of chicken and lamb. In the United States and Europe, cinnamon and sugar are often used to flavour cereals, bread-based dishes such as toast, and fruits, especially apples; …
Characteristics
Ceylon cinnamon may be crushed into small pieces by hand while Indonesian cinnamon requires a powerful blender.
The flavour of cinnamon is due to an aromatic essential oil that makes up 0.5 to 1% of its composition. This essential oil can be prepared by roughly pounding the bark, macerating it in sea water, and then quickly distilling the whole. It is of …