Cinnamon

Instructions

1. 1

   Once used in love potions and to perfume wealthy Romans, this age-old spice comes in two varieties — Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Ceylon cinnamon) and Cinnamomum cassia (cassia).

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   Cinnamon is the inner bark of a tropical evergreen tree.

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   The bark is harvested during the rainy season when it's more pliable.

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   When dried, it curls into long quills, which are either cut into lengths and sold as cinnamon sticks, or ground into powder.

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   Ceylon(or tree) cinnamon is buff-colored and mildly sweet in flavor; cassia cinnamon is a dark, reddish brown color and has a more pungent, slightly bittersweet flavor.

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   Cassia cinnamon is used and sold simply as "cinnamon" in many countries (including the United States).

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   Cinnamon is widely used in sweet dishes, but also makes an intriguing addition to savory dishes such as stews and curries.

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   Oil of cinnamon comes from the pods of the cinnamon tree and is used as a flavoring, as well as a medicinal.