Where Was Cinnamon First Used?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The history of cinnamon goes back many centuries: it was first consumed around 2000 BC, where records of its use in

ancient Egypt

were both culinary and medical.

In which country did cinnamon originate first?

Cinnamon is native to

Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon)

, the neighbouring Malabar Coast of India, and Myanmar (Burma) and is also cultivated in South America and the West Indies.

Did the Egyptians use cinnamon?

Ancient Egyptians used cinnamon

as part of their embalming rituals

. Physicians from the middle ages used cinnamon to help treat cold and throat ailments such as coughing, hoarseness and sore throats.

Who brought cinnamon to Europe?


Arab traders

introduced cinnamon to Europe, but because of the spice’s popularity, those involved in its trade kept its origin a secret. These traders told many tall-tales about cinnamon’s origin. The mystery helped them keep hold of their monopoly. One such tale comes from the Greek historian Herodotus.

When was cinnamon used?

Cinnamon is a spice that comes from the branches of trees of the Cinnamomum family. It is native to the Caribbean, South America, and Southeast Asia. People have used cinnamon

since 2000 BC in Ancient Egypt

, where they regarded it highly.

What is cinnamon called in Chinese?

Cinnamomum cassia, sometimes referred to as cassia or Chinese cinnamon, is the most common and commercially-available type in the United States and East Asia. In Chinese, it is known as

guì pí (桂皮) or sometimes ròu guì (肉桂)

.

How 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.

Which is the oldest known spices?

ONE OF THE OLDEST SPICES KNOWN TO MAN.

Cinnamon

has been traded around the entire world since before the 1500s. Indonesian sailors began trading cinnamon to Madagascar and the east coast of Africa in the first century AD.

Why was cinnamon traded?

Its source was kept a trade secret in the Mediterranean world for centuries by those in the spice trade, in order

to protect their monopoly as suppliers

. Cinnamomum verum, which translates as ‘true cinnamon’, is native to India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. … In Ancient Egypt, cinnamon was used to embalm mummies.

Where is cinnamon grown today?


Sri Lanka

produces much of the world’s Ceylon cinnamon, even though the tree is also commercially grown in Brazil, the Caribbean and India. A great deal of cassia cinnamon comes from Indonesia, although the tree is also grown in Vietnam, China and Burma [sources: Britannica: Cinnamon, Britannica: Cassia].

What is the best cinnamon in the world?

  • Best Overall: Burlap and Barrel Cinnamon Verum. …
  • Best Ceylon: Simply Organic Ground Ceylon Cinnamon. …
  • Best Organic: Frontier Co-op Ground Ceylon Cinnamon. …
  • Best Basic: McCormick Ground Cinnamon. …
  • Best Cinnamon Sticks: Frontier Co-op Organic Cinnamon Sticks. …
  • Best for Beverages: Feel Good Organics Korintje Cinnamon Sticks.

Why is cinnamon so expensive?


A pound of cinnamon quills can cost $27

— here’s why it’s one of the most expensive spices. Ceylon cinnamon is made from the dried inner bark of a tree native to Sri Lanka. One pound of these quills can cost $27. That’s because it’s difficult and costly to produce.

Is cinnamon man made or natural?


Cinnamon comes from bark

. Specifically, it comes from the inner layer of bark derived from dozens of varieties of evergreen trees that belong to the genus Cinnamomum. … Cassia, scientifically known as cinnamomum cassia, is just as real. Most of the world’s Ceylon cinnamon comes from Sri Lanka.

Is cinnamon bad for kidneys?

In conclusion,

cinnamon has no adverse effects on

the physiology and morphology of normal healthy kidneys, therefore its use is safe for kidneys.

Is it good to drink cinnamon everyday?

While eating too much cinnamon may have some drawbacks, it’s a healthy spice that’s safe to eat in small to moderate amounts. Eating

less than the tolerable daily intake

is more than enough to provide you with its health benefits.

What does cinnamon do to your Virginia?

Get

Rid of a Yeast Infection

It seems cinnamon has the power to destroy the fungus Candida albicans, which causes most vaginal yeast infections. At least, it works in the lab.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.