We all use cinnamon in our kitchens to add aromatic flavor to our cuisines. It has become a staple commodity, but did you know how cinnamon originated? This popular spice has an intriguing history dating back to 2800 B.C. Let’s learn how cinnamon went from a luxury commodity to a household spice over the centuries.
A] The Origin of Cinnamon
Native to Ceylon (Sri Lanka), true cinnamon dates back in Chinese writings to 2800 B.C. The spice is still known as kwai in the Cantonese language. Cinnamon’s botanical name is derived from the Hebraic and Arabic term amomon, which means fragrant spice plant.
Ancient Egyptians used this warm spice in their embalming process. As for the Italians, they called it cinnamon canella, which means little tube, and it refers to the cinnamon sticks. During the first century A.D., Pliny the Elder wrote off cinnamon’s value as equal to more than 5 kilograms of silver.
Read our insightful guide to learn about Ceylon cinnamon and how it originated.
B] Cinnamon in the Medieval Period
Cinnamon was imported from Egypt, having been brought there by the Arabian traders who obtained the spice in Ceylon. In Medieval times, physicians used cinnamon for medicinal purposes, like treating cough and sore throats. This spice was also valued for its preservative properties for meat, with its intense aroma being a bonus to mask the stench of aged meats. It was also used for religious purposes in funerals and religious rites. The Romans used it at funerals, believing cinnamon’s fragrance to be sacred.
C] An Overview of Cinnamon’s Trade History
Cinnamon’s fascinating history involved the spice trade across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Due to its value and scarcity, cinnamon led to colonialism and maritime exploration. From Ceylon to England, the spice has been traded through various routes among various countries –
- Cinnamon and the spice trade began around 1000 BCE, wherein cinnamon and pepper were transported from India and Indonesia to Egypt.
- For about 1,000 years, the Arabs were the middlemen in the spice trade, transporting spices from Southeast Asia to Red Sea ports.
- In the 12th and 14th centuries, cinnamon’s trade was with the Venetians.
- The spice trade influenced ancient civilizations, such as the Mesopotamians and Egyptians, and drove world trade from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.
- The Portuguese gained control over the spice trade in the early 16th century and dominated its trade in Europe by controlling its source.
- Later, the Dutch and British fought for control over cinnamon’s trade.
D] Cinnamon in the 17th Century
The Dutch seized Ceylon, the world’s largest cinnamon supplier, from the Portuguese. They learned about a cinnamon source along the coast of India and threatened the local king to destroy it all. The Dutch continued to have a monopoly over cinnamon, cultivated it in plantations, and imposed high export duties.
In 1795, England seized Ceylon from the French, who had acquired it from Holland during the Revolutionary Wars. Then, the British East India Company became the main exporter of this warm spice.
E] The Downfall of Cinnamon’s Monopoly
By 1833, cinnamon’s monopoly started declining when other countries found that the spice could be easily grown in areas like Java, Sumatra, and Guyana. Cinnamon also began being cultivated in different regions around the Indian Ocean. The increase in demand for other spices, like tea, coffee, and chocolate, was another reason for the decline in cinnamon’s popularity.
F] Cinnamon Today
Today, cinnamon is a common commodity in every household, used for its warm and enticing flavor. It serves as an essential ingredient in spiced wine, apple compote, rice pudding, and the world-famous cinnamon rolls. The French use it to improve the flavor of hare or partridge fricasses, while the Italians add it to bean soup. The Spanish add cinnamon to chocolate; in the East, it is used to complement mutton.
Due to its antiseptic properties, the spice is very common in cosmetics and healing purposes. It helps treat inflammation, nerve pain, cough, and other conditions.
Retailers and wholesalers sell cinnamon in various markets online and offline. Because the spice is readily available, consumers might find it challenging to distinguish premium-quality cinnamon. We advise you to opt for cinnamon, which has undergone thorough heavy metal testing. Red Ape’s high-quality cinnamon collection is safe for your kitchens and brings your recipes and taste buds to life.