What Plant Does Cinnamon Come From

Cinnamon is a sweet and fragrant spice that is used in cooking and baking. It is native to Sri Lanka and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its healing properties. But what plant does cinnamon come from? Let's find out.

Cinnamon Tree

Cinnamon comes from the bark of a tree called Cinnamomum verum, also known as the Ceylon cinnamon tree. This tree is an evergreen that can grow up to 20 meters tall in the wild, but is usually kept smaller for cultivation purposes. The bark of the tree is harvested and dried, and then sold as cinnamon sticks or ground into a powder.

Cultivation

Cinnamon trees are typically cultivated in tropical regions, such as Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, and Madagascar. They can be grown from seed, but are usually propagated by taking cuttings from existing trees. Cinnamon trees require a lot of sunlight and warm temperatures to thrive, and need to be watered frequently.

Types of Cinnamon

There are two main types of cinnamon: Ceylon and Cassia. Ceylon cinnamon, also known as true cinnamon, is made from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree. It has a light and delicate flavor, and is more expensive than Cassia cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon, on the other hand, is made from the bark of the Cinnamomum cassia tree, and has a stronger, more pungent flavor. It is the more commonly used cinnamon in the United States and Europe.

Uses of Cinnamon

Cinnamon is used in a variety of dishes, both sweet and savory. It is commonly used in baked desserts, such as apple pie, cinnamon rolls, and snickerdoodles. It is also used in savory dishes, such as chili, curries, and stews. In addition to its culinary uses, cinnamon is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, such as colds, coughs, and stomach issues. It is also believed to help regulate blood sugar and lower cholesterol.

Cinnamon Production

Cinnamon production involves harvesting the bark from the cinnamon tree, and then processing it into sticks or powder. The bark is first stripped from the tree and left to dry in the sun. Once it has dried, it is rolled into tight quills, or sticks, and then packaged for sale. The powder is produced by grinding the cinnamon sticks into a fine powder.

In Conclusion

Cinnamon is an ancient spice that is loved for its sweet and fragrant flavor. It comes from the bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree, which is native to Sri Lanka. Cinnamon is cultivated in tropical regions, and there are two main types: Ceylon and Cassia. It is used in a variety of dishes, and is also used in traditional medicine for its healing properties. Cinnamon production involves harvesting the bark and processing it into sticks or powder.