Cinnamon

Scientific Name (S): Cinnamomum spp.

Common Name(S): Cinnamon, cinnamomon, ceylon

Cinnamon is the dried bark of various laurel trees in the cinnamomun family. One of the more common trees from which Cinnamon is derived is the cassia. Ground cinnamon is perhaps the most common baking spice. Cinnamon sticks are made from long pieces of bark that are rolled, pressed, and dried.

Botany: The plant form of cinnamon consists of short, oval-lanceolate, rough-textured leaves up to 20 cm in length. The food additive form is a brown bark that forms quills and longitudinal striations. Cinnamon bark is also found in ground form as a spice. The plant is native to Sri lanka, southeastern India, Indonesia, South America and the West Indies.

History: Cinnamon is primarily used as a spice, taste enhancer or aromatic. Historically, its drop-like oil ("Cin­namon drops") has been used to treat gastrointestinal upset and dysmenorrhea. The essential oil derived from the plant has also been used for its antagonist activities against various microorganisms and fungi.

Uses of Cinnamon

Cinnamon is used as a spice and aromatic. The bark or oil has been used to combat microorganisms, diarrhea and other GI disorders, dysmennorhea, etc.

Culinary Uses
Cassia and cinnamon have similar uses, but since it is more delicate, cinnamon is used more in dessert dishes. It is commonly used in cakes and other baked goods, milk and rice puddings, chocolate dishes and fruit desserts, particularly apples and pears. It is common in many Middle Eastern and North African dishes, in flavouring lamb tagines or stuffed aubergines. It is used in curries and pilaus and in garam masala. It may be used to spice mulled wines, creams and syrups. The largest importer of Sri Lankan cinnamon is Mexico, where it is drunk with coffee and chocolate and brewed as a tea

Side Effects of Cinnamon

Heavy exposure may cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Ingestion of larger than usual amounts may accelerate and then depress body function.

Summary: Cinnamon has been in use for centuries, with references in ancient Greek and Latin writings, both as a spice and as a ''folk medicine" for gastrointestinal disorders. The essential oil has displayed anti-diarrheic, analgesic and germicidal properties. High contact with cinnamon powder has caused dermatitis.