*Cinnamon is the oldest and most popular spices, native to Sri Lanka.

*It is the edible bark of the tree, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, that is used as a spice.

*Cinnamon has a characteristic sweet fragrant aroma. Its taste ranges from sweet to mildly pungent with warm overtones.

*Cinnamon is brown in color and is available as long dried tubular quills or as ground powder.

*The characteristic cinnamon taste and fragrance is due to the compounds cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate and cinnamy alcohol present in it.

*The essential oil with the above compounds has medicinal properties.

*Ground cinnamon is used to flavor both sweet (cakes, cookies, breads, and desserts) and savory (soups, stews, curries, etc.) dishes.

*Buying and storage: Select fresh, healthy-looking cinnamon quills with a sweet fragrance, or ground cinnamon with a strong characteristic cinnamon aroma. Cinnamon quills have a longer shelf life than ground cinnamon. Whole or ground cinnamon should be stored in an airtight glass container in a cool, dark place away from light and heat. Storing in the refrigerator extends its shelf life.

Is it raw?

Yes and No.
*Yes, these are mostly raw or sundried.
*No, because sometimes ground cinnamon at the supermarkets may be roasted before grinding.
Make sure you read the label.

Health Benefits

1. Cinnamon has an essential oil with active components like cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate and cinnamy alcohol and toehr compounds that have medicinal properties.

2. The compound cinnamaldehyde present in cinnamon prevents the unnecessary aggregation of platelets in blood, thus preventing clot formation and in turn stroke.

3. Cinnamon has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, which prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi.

4. Adding cinnamon to the food slows down the digestion process, thus regulation blood sugar levels in diabetics.

5. It also improves the ability to respond to insulin in people suffering with Type II diabetes.

6. Cinnamon oil has a relaxing effect and it also boosts the activity of brain and improves memory of a person.

7. Cinnamon when added to teas with other spices provides relief from common colds and flu.