Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)

The True and Aromatic Spice Tree

Common Names: True Cinnamon, Ceylon Cinnamon, Sweet Cinnamon
Family: Lauraceae
Origin: Sri Lanka and Southern India

Everyone's favorite cool weather spice! Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is a tropical evergreen tree highly valued for its aromatic bark, which is the source of the world-famous cinnamon spice. Known for its sweet, mild flavor and delicate aroma, Cinnamon is considered the "true" cinnamon compared to the more common Cassia variety. This small, ornamental tree not only produces the prized cinnamon bark but also adds beauty to gardens with its glossy green leaves and small white flowers. Native to Sri Lanka and India, Cinnamon thrives in warm, tropical climates and can be grown in home gardens or containers in frost-free areas.

Distinctive Features, Uses, and Nutritional Value

Bark: The inner bark of the tree is harvested and dried to produce cinnamon sticks or ground into cinnamon powder. Ceylon Cinnamon is known for its sweet, delicate flavor with a light citrus note, making it the preferred variety for culinary and medicinal use. It is rich in antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties, and is commonly used to support digestive and immune health.

Foliage: The tree has glossy, dark green, oval-shaped leaves that release a mild cinnamon scent when crushed.

Growth Habit: Cinnamon is a small evergreen tree that grows up to 20-30 feet tall in its natural habitat but can be pruned to maintain a more compact size for home gardens or containers.

Culinary and Medicinal Uses

Cinnamon is widely used in both sweet and savory dishes. It is a key ingredient in baked goods, teas, curries, and spice blends. In addition to its culinary uses, cinnamon has long been valued for its medicinal benefits, including supporting digestive health, regulating blood sugar levels, enhancing the bio-availability of other medicinal herbs, relieving headaches, and acting as an anti-inflammatory agent. The essential oil derived from cinnamon bark is also used in aromatherapy and skincare products.