Cinnamon

Written by on in Spices

Cinnamon is the dried inner bark of evergreen trees of the genus Cinnamomum, sold as curled quills ('sticks') or ground into a warm, sweet, woody powder. It is one of the most traded and culturally significant spices in human history, used in everything from pastries and beverages to curries and savory stews.

CategorySpices
Scientific nameCinnamomum verum (Ceylon); Cinnamomum cassia (Cassia)
OriginSri Lanka (true cinnamon) and southern China/Myanmar (cassia)

History & Origins

Cinnamon was imported into ancient Egypt as early as 2000 BCE and featured in the Hebrew Bible as an ingredient in holy anointing oil; Arab traders concealed its true origin for centuries, propagating fantastical tales of its harvest to protect the supply chain. By the late Middle Ages it had become among the most expensive commodities in European commerce, prompting Portuguese and later Dutch colonization of Sri Lanka and the development of plantation agriculture. Today Sri Lanka, Indonesia, China, and Vietnam produce the bulk of the world's supply, with Ceylon ('true') cinnamon commanding a premium over the more common cassia variety.

Nutrition Facts

Per 100 g, edible portion (estimated)

  • 247 kcalCalories
  • 4.0 gProtein
  • 1.2 gFat
  • 81 gCarbs
  • 53 gFiber
  • 2.2 gSugars
  • 431 mgPotassium
  • 1002 mgCalcium
  • 8.3 mgIron
  • 3.8 mgVitamin C
  • 295 mcgVitamin A

Culinary Uses

  • Sprinkled into baked goods such as apple pie, snickerdoodles, and cinnamon rolls
  • Stirred into coffee, hot chocolate, mulled wine, and Mexican horchata
  • Combined into Indian garam masala, Moroccan ras el hanout, and Persian advieh spice blends
  • Slow-simmered in Moroccan tagines, Lebanese rice pilafs, and Mexican mole sauces

Known Benefits

  • Rich in polyphenols and antioxidants that combat oxidative stress
  • Cinnamaldehyde exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity
  • May help lower fasting blood glucose and improve insulin sensitivity
  • Traditional remedy for indigestion, nausea, and colds in many folk medicine systems

Hidden Benefits

  • Cinnamaldehyde has shown in vitro activity against Listeria and certain fungi
  • Animal studies suggest potential neuroprotective effects on memory and cognition
  • May enhance the bioavailability of other spices when combined in dishes
  • Topical application historically used as a natural insect repellent