Ceylon Cinnamon, being one of the most popular spices, is used all over the world in cooking and baking. The pungent aroma and warm scent of this versatile spice is unmistakable. It can add a subtle hint of taste to a curry or a star ingredient in famous desserts like cinnamon rolls. We use cinnamon in our daily lives, but where does it come from? Let’s learn about the origin and history of this famous spice in this blog. 

A] Where Does Ceylon Cinnamon Come From? 

Ceylon cinnamon, scientifically known as Cinnamomum zeylanicum, is a spice spice derived from the inner bark of an evergreen tree native to Sri Lanka, which produces approximately 80% of the world’s supply. This island nation off the southern coast of India was famous for its cinnamon for thousands of years. The warm temperature, humus-rich soils and appreciable amount of rainfall found here present the ultimate climatic setting for the cinnamon plants to grow.

Historically, Ceylon cinnamon has its origin strictly within Sri Lanka, where cultivation and trade were confined strictly inside the walls of the rulers of the island. This spice was the most prized by ancient civilizations: the Romans and Greeks for their aromatic qualities, the Arabs for medicinal properties; it was used to flavor, perfume, and even as a preservative.

Several different varieties of cinnamon exist, including Ceylon and Cassia. You can learn more about the types of cinnamon in this blog. 

B] Brief History of Cinnamon 

This brown spice, with its sweet flavor and delicate aroma, has been used around the world for centuries. Did you know that cinnamon was once so highly prized that wars were fought over it? True cinnamon dates back to 2800 B.C. in Chinese writings. Egyptians used this spice in their embalming process, while medieval physicians used it to treat coughing and sore throats. 

In the 17th century, the Dutch seized the island of Ceylon, the world’s largest cinnamon supplier, from the Portuguese. Later, in 1795, England seized Ceylon from the French, who had acquired it from their victory over Holland. By 1833, the downfall of cinnamon’s monopoly had begun as other countries found that it could be easily grown. 

Fast forward to today, cinnamon is only grown in significant quantities in 10 countries, with Sri Lanka being the fourth largest producer. While Ceylon was the first cinnamon type to be grown and traded, Cassia cinnamon has since become much more popular. Cassia, also known as Chinese cinnamon, originated in Southern China and is extracted from the Cinnamomum cassia tree. Saigon cinnamon is another of the oldest spices in the world and was used in ancient Egypt, China, and the Bible. Saigon hails from forests outside Hanoi, Vietnam, particularly the Quảng Ngãi Province.

C] Whole Cinnamon V/S Ground Powder 

Are you wondering where to use whole cinnamon versus ground cinnamon? Whole cinnamon is best for recipes where you simmer or slow-cook the dish for an extended time. Ground cinnamon, on the other hand, is suitable to create more potent flavors, like cinnamon toast or rolls. Ground cinnamon works well for marinades and spice seasonings. 

When using cinnamon sticks, you can gently smash them to add more flavor to your dishes. Cinnamon sticks create a delicious, fragrant aroma and are best for mulled wine, cider, and spiced pulao. 

D] Heavy Metal Testing on Cinnamon 

Heavy metal testing is an essential process for analyzing cinnamon samples to determine if they contain heavy metals within safe limits. If cinnamon is contaminated with heavy metals, like lead, mercury, and arsenic from soil, water, and air pollution, it isn’t safe for consumption. Long-term exposure to these metals can cause serious health issues. We test every batch of cinnamon for heavy metals with a thorough testing process and have set lead tolerance levels to ensure our customer’s health and well-being are not compromised. 

E] How to Store Ceylon Cinnamon

You can keep the ground or whole Ceylon cinnamon in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot. Whole cinnamon lasts for 3-4 years, while ground cinnamon can last up to 3 years. The peak flavor is best within a year, and you can grind whole cinnamon into a powder at home to keep the spice fresher. 

Given its popularity, cinnamon can be easily found at most grocery stores. You can also go to specialty stores for specific types of cinnamon, like Cassia or Ceylon. If you want to buy in large quantities, we deal with bulk cinnamon and fulfill your wholesale needs. Our high-quality, authentic cinnamon will add the right pinch of flavor and aroma to enhance your culinary creations.