The pungent aroma of cinnamon is unmistakable, usually evoking dreams of hot cinnamon rolls from the oven. Cinnamon was once so highly prized that wars were fought over it, it was used as currency, and it has aphrodisiacal powers.
Cinnamon Origin and History
Native to Ceylon (Sri Lanka), true cinnamon, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, dates back in Chinese writings to 2800 B.C. and is still known as kwai in the Cantonese language today. Its botanical name derives from the Hebraic and Arabic term amomon, meaning fragrant spice plant. Ancient Egyptians used cinnamon in their embalming process. From their word for cannon, Italians called it canella, meaning "little tube," which aptly describes cinnamon sticks.
In the first century A.D., Pliny the Elder wrote off 350 grams of cinnamon as being equal in value to over five kilograms of silver, about fifteen times the value of silver per weight.
Used by Medieval Physicians
Medieval physicians used cinnamon in medicines to treat coughing, hoarseness, and sore throats. As a sign of remorse, Roman Emperor Nero ordered a year's supply of cinnamon be burnt after he murdered his wife.
The spice was also valued for its preservative qualities for meat due to the phenols which inhibit the bacteria responsible for spoilage, with the added bonus being the strong cinnamon aroma masked the stench of aged meats.
Seized in the 17th Century
In the 17th century, the Dutch seized the world's largest cinnamon supplier, the island of Ceylon, from the Portuguese, demanding outrageous quotas from the poor laboring Chalia caste. When the Dutch learned of a source of cinnamon along the coast of India, they bribed and threatened the local king to destroy it all, thus preserving their monopoly on the prized spice.
In 1795, England seized Ceylon from the French, who had acquired it from their victory over Holland during the Revolutionary Wars.
The Downfall of the Cinnamon Monopoly
By 1833, the downfall of the cinnamon monopoly had begun when other countries found it could be easily grown in such areas as Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Mauritius, Réunion,and Guyana. Cinnamon is now also grown in South America, the West Indies, and other tropical climates.
FAQs
The Romans believed cinnamon's fragrance sacred and burned it at funerals, but it was not popular as a cooking spice. In medieval Europe, cinnamon became a favorite flavor in many banquet foods. It was also regarded as an appetite stimulant, a digestive, an aphrodisiac, and a treatment for coughs and sore throats.
What is the cultural significance of cinnamon? ›
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 flavouring. Later it was the most profitable spice in the Dutch East India Company trade.
What is the secret of cinnamon? ›
Cinnamon is also high in antioxidants and may aid with bad breath. Surprise! Cinnamon has been known to stave off spoilage, valued for its preservative qualities for meat due to the phenols which inhibit the bacteria responsible for spoilage. It was even used in ancient Egypt during the embalming process.
What is the rarest cinnamon? ›
Produced in Sri Lanka, Ceylon cinnamon is the most expensive and rarest spice that many countries across the world has tried to imitate.
What is the importance of cinnamon spiritually? ›
This oil is considered spiritually cleansing throughout the world due to its stinging, dynamic qualities and its ability to ward off any undesirable thoughts, feelings, or illnesses. Cinnamon is referenced numerous times in the Bible, from the Old Testament to the New Testament.
What is the color of the cinnamon? ›
The color cinnamon is a warm brown with a red-orange hue. Its namesake cinnamon spice comes from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree (native to Sri Lanka), and so this tone is naturally occurring. The color cinnamon therefore evokes feelings of grounding, security, and calmness.
What does cinnamon do to the human body? ›
Cinnamon is an effective anti-inflammatory. Researchers tested the phytochemicals found in cinnamon and discovered antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In one study, certain cinnamon compounds also targeted free radicals with promising results. Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels to feed tumors.
What cultures use cinnamon the most? ›
Indonesia doesn't just grow a lot of cinnamon — they also use a lot of it. FoodDive reports that Indonesia is the world's leading consumer of cinnamon, so most of its large domestic crop is destined for national distribution.
Who was the first person to eat cinnamon? ›
Cinnamon was first used by Egyptians as early as 2000 BCE as a meat preservative and flavoring agent in food and drinks. Arab traders essentially owned all the cinnamon in the world at the time, making it a scarce and luxury good to those who desired it.
Where did cinnamon get its name? ›
Cinnamon Origin and History
Its botanical name derives from the Hebraic and Arabic term amomon, meaning fragrant spice plant. Ancient Egyptians used cinnamon in their embalming process. From their word for cannon, Italians called it canella, meaning "little tube," which aptly describes cinnamon sticks.
Cinnamon Facts:
- Cinnamon comes from the bark of the cinnamon tree.
- The cinnamon tree can grow up to 60 feet.
- Cinnamon sticks are also called quills.
- The 2 most popular types of cinnamon are: Ceylon and Cassia.
- Cinnamon is high in fiber and calcium which helps improve colon health.
In Denmark, if you are unmarried at 25, will you get cinnamon thrown all over you on your birthday? Yes this is a very common tradition, at least in Jutland. It can range from a few small bags being thrown by surprise sometime during the day or during the birthday celebration, to full sacks.
What does cinnamon do for luck? ›
Do you blow the cinnamon in or out of the door? The ritual involves blowing some of the spice drawer essential into the home, inviting good luck, abundance, and wealth. As well as its festive scent and flavor, it is also associated with abundance and has been used for centuries by Chinese spiritual practitioners.
Why is cinnamon called cinnamon? ›
Its botanical name derives from the Hebraic and Arabic term amomon, meaning fragrant spice plant. Ancient Egyptians used cinnamon in their embalming process. From their word for cannon, Italians called it canella, meaning "little tube," which aptly describes cinnamon sticks.
What is the real name of cinnamon? ›
Cinnamomum cassia (cassia) is native to China.
What did cinnamon do to your body? ›
Cinnamon is an effective anti-inflammatory. Researchers tested the phytochemicals found in cinnamon and discovered antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In one study, certain cinnamon compounds also targeted free radicals with promising results. Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels to feed tumors.
