Cinnamon: Feed's All You Need Guide

When it comes to cooking, few ingredients hold more importance in a kitchen than spices. From cumin to turmeric, oregano to chili, and everything in between, spices are the true essence behind flavorful and delicious food of all sorts. Cinnamon, a staple spice for kitchens around the globe, is one spice you cannot live (and cook) without. Its complex flavor, memorable smell, and ability to dress up all sorts of foods make it a spice worth spotlighting! Today, we wanted to take some time to showcase all of cinnamon's benefits, including health benefits, delicious ways to enjoy the spice, and more. Join us as we journey into the world of cinnamon and see all of its wonders!

History of Cinnamon:

Just like many other spices, cinnamon is quite ancient. It was discovered around 2800 BCE in Sri Lanka and was prized for its medicinal and culinary properties since ancient times. During ancient Egypt, cinnamon was highly valued and used in the embalming process. In the first century A.D., 350 grams of cinnamon was equivalent to five kilograms of silver!

As trade began to spread throughout the world, cinnamon also started to make its way around. During medieval times, cinnamon was one of the most valuable spices in the spice trade, often traded for gold and used as a medicine to treat coughing and sore throats. It was also utilized as a preservative as cinnamon’s natural contents helped inhibit bacteria that spoiled raw meat and helped mask the smell of aging meat!

By the 17th century, the Dutch gained control of much of the cinnamon trade during a seizure of power over a significant source of cinnamon discovered along India's coast. By the mid-1800s, though, cinnamon became highly discoverable and growable in areas like Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Mauritius, Réunion, and Guyana, losing its value as a highly profitable spice. Today, though, cinnamon has become more recognized for its medicinal and culinary value and has become a highly regarded spice for many cultures and cuisines all across the globe.

Types of Cinnamon:

Before we go any further, you may have heard that there are two different types of cinnamon you can buy - and you’re right! There are actually several different varieties of cinnamon that you can find at your local grocery store, but they are typically categorized in two types - Ceylon and Cassia. Ceylon cinnamon is considered “true cinnamon” and can be the most expensive type on the market. It comes from Sri Lanka and typically has a more delicate flavor than its counterpart, Cassia cinnamon. Conversely, Cassia cinnamon naturally hails from China and has a stronger flavor; it’s usually what you’ll find at the grocery store quite easily and isn’t expensive to purchase.

Benefits of Cinnamon:

When it comes to the benefits cinnamon provides, there is much to enjoy! For instance, cinnamon has been found to help lower blood sugar in some patients. Those who live with diabetes, for instance, can likely gain positive influence from including higher levels of cinnamon within their diet, although there is still much research to be done as WebMD notes. Additionally, it has been found that cinnamon can act as an antioxidant for the body thanks to the polyphenols it contains within its chemical compound. When free radicals build up in the body, this can cause many health problems, such as heart disease, inflammation, and more. Cinnamon has been noted to help lower these, protect the body against them, and keep your body functioning healthily! One more excellent benefit of cinnamon is its power to help inhibit the build-up of proteins that lead to Alzheimer's disease. Two of the compounds cinnamon contains help to lower the amount of accumulated protein that ends up in the brain as we age, making it a worthwhile spice to enjoy within your diet.

So What Can I make With Cinnamon?

Now that we’ve looked at both the history and the health benefits of cinnamon, you may be wondering how to incorporate it into your diet more. Given its immense versatility, you can add cinnamon to most dishes! It makes for the perfect addition to sweet dishes and helps lessen the gaminess in meat and savory dishes. When it comes to sweet dishes, for example, you have a wide variety of options. From creative cinnamon nachos to delicious fresh cinnamon rolls, it’s easy to see why cinnamon is so popular! On the other hand, various savory dishes also make cinnamon a stand-out ingredient, allowing the true nature of the spice to shine throughout! For instance, this Greek Lasagna and even Apple Cinnamon Baby Back Ribs provide the perfect canvas for allowing cinnamon its moment.

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