Description

Common Name Standardized: cinnamon
Other: sweet cinnamon, true cinnamon, xi lan rou gui (Chinese)

Botanical Name Cinnamomum verum J. Presl1
Plant Family: Lauraceae Synonyms Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume

Overview Cinnamon has been enjoyed since ancient times, mentioned in not only the Bible, but also in Egyptian texts. It was widely traded thousands of years ago in Europe and in Asia by Arab spice traders. Its uniquely sweet and delicious flavor and warming, uplifting aroma have been utilized in countless confectionaries, baked goods, perfumes, cosmetics, beverages, and cordials. Sweet cinnamon, often referred to as ‘true cinnamon’, has a more subtle, delicate, and sweet flavor than the closely related cassia cinnamon. Recent scientific studies validate many of the traditional uses of this medicinal spice, indicating its health enhancing properties. Botany Cinnamomum verum is a small evergreen tree native to tropical southern India and Sri Lanka, growing from sea level to almost 3,000 feet. It has been introduced to Madagascar and the Seychelles and is cultivated there extensively. It belongs to the Laurel or Lauraceae family, a family containing diverse genera ranging from the Mediterranean bay tree, to sassafras, paw-paw, and the tropical avocado.16 This genus of evergreen trees and shrubs contains more than 300 species which are native or naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and other tropical islands in the Pacific Ocean. Many having aromatic oils in their leaves, buds, and bark.

For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.