All About Cinnamon | History | Health benefits | Uses | 8 Amazing Facts
Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices in the world. It has been used since ancient times for its medicinal and culinary properties. It is believed to have originated in Sri Lanka, although today it is grown in many other parts of the world, including India, China, and Vietnam. Cinnamon has a sweet, warm flavor and aroma that adds a unique flavor to many dishes and desserts. It is also used to make essential oils, which are used in aromatherapy and other natural remedies.
In ancient times, cinnamon was valued as much for its sweet, pungent and sensual aroma as it was for its taste. The ancient Egyptians used cinnamon with myrrh for the dead, and the Romans burned it on funeral pyres. It was used in religious ceremonies by the ancient Hebrews and is mentioned in the Bible as an ingredient in the preparation of holy anointing oil.
Where Does It Come From?
During the Middle Ages in Europe, cinnamon was a status symbol ingredient in cuisine enjoyed by the elite, brought west from Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) by Arab traders. In the 15th century, the Portuguese took over the trade in cinnamon in Ceylon, and decades of conflict over the spice followed between them, the locals, and Dutch and British conquerors. The cultivation of the coveted spice eventually expanded to other parts of the world. Nowadays, comforting emotions are more likely to be triggered by cinnamon than violent ones.
Cinnamon was once more valuable than gold. In Egypt, it was sought for embalming and religious practices. In medieval Europe, it was used for religious rites and as a flavoring. Later it was the most profitable spice in the Dutch East India Company trade. Various related species are also cultivated as a source of cinnamon spice, including Chinese cassia (Cinnamomum cassia), Vietnamese, or Saigon, cinnamon (C. Loureiro), Indonesian cinnamon (C. burmannii), and Malabar cinnamon (C. citriodorum).
Health Benefits of Cinnamon?
As a remedy, cinnamon has a solid reputation. Antibacterial, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory qualities have all been attributed to the spice. People use it to cure a wide range of illnesses, including rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, bug bites, urinary tract infections, and other discomforts. Studies have looked into the potential benefits of cinnamon for treating multiple sclerosis, lowering high cholesterol, managing blood sugar, and preventing dementia.
Cinnamon is used for a variety of purported health benefits in alternative medicine. These include treatment for colds, digestive problems, and painful menstrual periods. In traditional medicine, it has been used for bronchitis.
Uses
Cinnamon is a spice that has been used for centuries to flavor food, drinks, and medicine. It is derived from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum tree and has a distinct, sweet, and spicy flavor. Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants and is known to have many health benefits, including aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, and helping to regulate blood sugar levels. It can be used to add flavor to a variety of dishes and beverages, and can even be used as a natural preservative. Cinnamon is an incredibly versatile spice that is sure to add a delicious touch to any dish or beverage.
Facts of Cinnamon:
- Cinnamon comes from the bark of the cinnamon tree, and the cinnamon tree can grow up to 60 feet.
- Cinnamon is native to Sri Lanka, India, and Myanmar. It is also cultivated in South America and the West Indies.
- Cinnamon may actually be one of the oldest spices in the world.
- Cinnamon acts as a natural preservative.
- In ancient Egypt, cinnamon was a highly prized ingredient that was, at one point, valued more than gold.
- The bark of cinnamon is one of the few spices that can be consumed in its raw state.
- Cinnamon has the ability to lower blood sugar and help manage common diabetes.
- Sri Lanka is the largest producer and exporter of cinnamon spice. Sri Lanka produces around 90% of the Cinnamomum Verum (cinnamon variety) used across the world.