Cinnamon

Cinnamon
sin-uh-muh n

Origin: Most of the world’s cinnamon production comes from Indonesia and China.

Cinnamon comes in two forms. Cassia cinnamon mainly comes from China. This is the type found in most grocery stores, is less expensive and has a dark brown-red color. Ceylon cinnamon comes from Sri Lanka and southern parts of India and has a tan-brown color. Its milder, sweeter flavor is especially good for baking. 

Both forms come from the inner bark of a tree. Don’t be fooled, there is nothing root like about this amazing, aromatic spice.

I searched in my spice cabinet to see what type of cinnamon I had but it wasn’t clear. I’ll have to investigate a few more spice racks to determine this.

Recipes: We are most familiar with cinnamon as a spice to use during Christmastime to flavor an eggnog or cookies. The wonderful flavor of cinnamon can be enjoyed all year round as I savor my cinnamon donut while I write this.

The powdered form can be sprinkled on just about anything, a latte or chai to add a bit of spice or used in baking to make a delicious cinnamon roll, pancakes, toast or cereal.

One of our all-time favorites are cinnamon rolls – this sweet recipe is a delight to be enjoyed anytime of the day! 

Cinnamon not only adds deliciousness to sweet dishes but also to savory entrees.

Cinnamon is a wonderful spice to be used in cooking – especially in Turkish or Persian dishes.

Here’s a recipe for Chicken with dates, olives and cinnamon – YUM! 

You can also make a delightful dish of basmati rice with a dash of this spice.

One thing is for sure is the incredible spice will leave the whole kitchen smelling marvelous!

Cures: Cinnamon is known to have some terrific health benefits. It can be found in forms of capsules, teas and extracts.

Ceylon cinnamon can be used to cut the risk of heart disease, lower bad cholesterol and blood glucose which is all good news for diabetics.

It can also reduce inflammation, help fight a yeast infection and bacteria.

Cinnamon has a whole list of amazing benefits as to help with a tooth ache, strengthen bones, help with a common cold, help with weight loss and much more as listed here.

Beauty: According to WebMD, it can be used to make a face mask to help your skin with acne or pimples. It can also be used as a mouthwash and as a household disinfectant to wipe door knobs and counters.

If you don’t already have cinnamon in your spice cabinet, go out and get some of this amazing spice!