Ah, the tantalizing smell of cinnamon in the fall is like a warm sweater on a crisp day. Cinnamon warms the soul and adds exotic fragrance and aroma to chai, baked goods, roasted vegetables, and hearty stews, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. Cinnamon is a must-have in the pantry, but not all are created equal. So, read on to find out more, from its history, varieties, science-backed health properties, and safety, to its surprising non-culinary applications. I will also offer GFL suggestions to elevate your cinnamon experience.

Cinnamon’s History 

Cinnamon’s origin story takes us to Ceylon, known today as Sri Lanka. Once a precious commodity, cinnamon was traded from far East Asia to the elite tables of Europe. Fast-forward to the present and cinnamon is now a kitchen staple, available in every supermarket aisle in sticks and ground powder. 

Varieties and Flavor Profiles

Cinnamon has two main varieties: Ceylon and Cassia, each with a unique flavor profile. However, Cassia has several subspecies, and two of the most common are mentioned here. 

• Ceylon, often referred to as ‘true cinnamon’ or Cinnamomum verum, hails from Sri Lanka. It boasts a subtle, sweet flavor with hints of clove, and its golden-brown hue makes it perfect for tea, baked goods, and seasoning fish or chicken. 
• Cassia Cinnamon or Cinnamomum cassia is known for its bold, spicy peppery kick. This variety from China has a reddish-brown color. It is versatile for both sweet and savory applications. 
• Cinnamomum burmannii from Indonesia looks similar to Cassia Cinnamon but milder and sweeter. It is a delightful addition to baked goods. It is also known as Cinnamon Korintje.
• Cinnamomum loureiroi comes from Vietnam. It is sweet and robustly spicy; this is perfect in spice rubs for meats and savory curries and stews. It’s also called Cinnamon Saigon.

Marketing Cinnamon

When you buy cinnamon, you often don’t know which species you’re getting because trade laws typically do not require regional labeling. So, “cinnamon” on the label does not reveal the whole story. Most of the cinnamon you’ll find in grocery stores in North America is the Cassia variety (typically from Indonesia). Ceylon is considered the gold standard and the less common option, about four times the cost of Cassia!

Health Benefits of Cinnamon 

Cinnamon has a long history of medicinal use. Today, modern research highlights cinnamon’s active flavonoid compound, cinnamaldehyde, which lends its distinctive flavor and aroma. Cinnamaldehyde is linked to many health benefits, including improved blood sugar control, reduced inflammation, protection against heart disease by lowering cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure) as well as antifungal properties. In addition, cinnamaldehyde shows promise with antiviral properties against certain strains of HIV, influenza, and Dengue (transmitted by the mosquito). Moreover, the fragrance of cinnamon has been associated with improving memory and learning.

Cinnamon’s Coumarin Content

Now, let’s talk about coumarin, another active component of cinnamon and a natural blood thinner. When it comes to coumarin content, not all cinnamons are created equal. The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry conducted a study on cinnamon-flavored foods and supplements sold in the United States. Their findings revealed that only Ceylon cinnamon contains traces of coumarin, whereas the three Cassia varieties contain substantial amounts. Ranked in order of coumarin content from highest to lowest of the Cassia varieties, it’s Cinnamomum loureiroi, Cinnamomum burmannii, and Cinnamomum Cassia. For perspective, one teaspoon of Cassia contains 6-12 mg of coumarin, while the same amount of Ceylon cinnamon has only 0.1-0.2 micrograms, according to the Natural Medicines database. So, the next time you’re creating culinary delights with cinnamon, be mindful of the amount you add to your recipes.  

Tolerable Daily Intake

According to a scientific study, the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) of coumarin is 0.1 mg/kg of body weight. This amount is considered a safe threshold and should not lead to adverse effects like liver damage or cancer. In practical terms, this means that consuming half to one teaspoon of Cassia Cinnamon falls within the safe range. 

If you are considering Ceylon cinnamon, it is essential to avoid excessive intake. This is because cinnamaldehyde can potentially lower blood sugar levels, especially for individuals with diabetes who are taking medication. 

And if you are wondering just how many teaspoons are in one stick of cinnamon, the general rule is that one stick equals half a teaspoon. 

Cinnamon Unexpected Applications

Cinnamon isn’t just for culinary uses. Its robust aroma and taste repel insects like spiders, fruit flies, wasps, bedbugs, and more. Sprinkle cinnamon powder where you spot insects, or place cinnamon sticks in the pantry or cabinets to keep away moths and rice weevils. You can even create an insect-repelling spray by adding a few drops of Cinnamon oil to dish soap water. And cinnamon essential oil is a sure way of exterminating fire ants.

The Mystical Side of Cinnamon 

Cinnamon’s esoteric uses are fascinating. It’s been employed in European folklore, Ayurvedic, and Chinese traditional medicine to bring vitality, boost productivity, and promote prosperity. Add cinnamon essential oil to your floor cleaner, light cinnamon-scented candles, or create an aromatic potpourri by boiling cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, and orange peel and let the scent permeate and infuse abundant energy to your home.

Sprinkling cinnamon near your front door at the beginning of each month is associated with new beginnings and abundance. 

GFL Tips

Before we dive into the recommendations for the best brands, here are a few tips to consider. 

• If you have specific medical conditions or are pregnant, speak to your healthcare provider before making cinnamon a part of your daily ritual.

• Choose Ceylon Cinnamon to keep your coumarin intake low.

• Moderation is vital when using cinnamon in oatmeal, coffee, chai, or recipes. 

GFL Recommendations to Spice Up Your Life

Frontier Co-op Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Sticks: Rest assured that you get quality products from Frontier Co-op Brand. I like to use these sticks for making a fragrant cinnamon tea. Here’s my recipe:

Add 1 stick to a quart of water and bring to a boil. Then, simmer for 15 minutes. Add a favorite flavor tea bag as desired to the pot after simmering. Steep according to the type of tea you use. Strain and enjoy.

Simply Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Ground: Use this for sprinkling on hot cocoa, baking snickerdoodle cookies, cinnamon baked pumpkin, or Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Apricots, Almonds, and Chickpeas. Yum!

Takeaway

Spice up your life with cinnamon, but keep in mind that a little goes a long way in both flavor and health benefits. Choosing the right variety is key: opt for Ceylon for safety and embrace Cassia for both culinary and non-culinary adventures. Cinnamon is undeniably a magical spice with a world of possibilities.