| Spices -> Cinnamon |
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Origin of Cinnamon
True Cinnamon (Ceylon cinnamon) and Cassia (Chinese cinnamon), are both derived from the bark of an evergreen tree.The difference between them is that Cassia has a more robust flavour and either can be substituted for the other. The characteristic rich, warm and sweet fragrance makes it one of the most evocative of spices and a much used ingredient in many cuisines worldwide.
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Cultivation and Processing
The Cinnamon tree is an evergreen which can grow up to 7m (56
ft) in its natural state although trees in cultivated plantations are
more often grown as bushes, no taller than 3 m (10 ft), as the
stems are continually cut back to produce new stems for bark. It
thrives best in a hot, wet tropical climate at low altitude and is
usually ready to harvest after 3 years.
The plant is harvested during the wet season because the rains
facilitate the peeling of the bark. Harvesting involves the removal
of the stems then after 24 hours drying, the outer bark and inner
lining are scraped off. The naturally curled pieces of peeled bark
(quills) are placed one inside the other to make long 'compound
quills'. The best quills are placed on the outside and broken and
smaller pieces in the centre. These left in the shade to dry
completely and to prevent warping. The long quills are then cut
into smaller lengths and graded according to thickness, aroma
and appearance. The quills can then be ground or processed into
oil for cooking purposes.
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Cinnamon and its medicinal properties
It is a well known fact that honey and cinnamon are important
herbs used in Ayurveda and oriental system of medicine. It is found
that a mixture of Honey and Cinnamon can cure most diseases.
Ayurvedic practitioners have been using honey as a vital medicine
for centuries. Scientists of today also accept the combination of
honey and cinnamon as a very effective medicine for all kinds of
diseases.
These cures are for your reference only. If you suffer from any of
these ailments it is recommended you see your doctor before you
start out on any cures as there might be an adverse reaction with
some prescription drugs.
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What are the benefits?
- HEART DISEASES
A paste of honey and cinnamon powder, applied on bread or chapatti and eaten regularly for breakfast can help reduce the bad cholesterol in the blood. Regular use of the above process can relieve loss of breath.
- ARTHRITIS
One part honey to two parts of lukewarm water with a small teaspoon of cinnamon powder made into a paste and massaged
onto the affected part of the body has been known to reduce the pain substantially.
Arthritis patients may take daily, morning and night, one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken regularly can help chronic arthritis sufferers.
- BLADDER INFECTIONS
Two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water when drunk regularly can help destroy the bacteria in the bladder.
- CHOLESTEROL
Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, given to a cholesterol patient, has been claimed to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10%. As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken 3 times a day, chronic cholesterol may be cured.
- COLDS
When suffering from common or severe cold one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder taken daily for 3 days can cure most chronic cough, cold and clear the sinuses.
- UPSET STOMACH
Honey taken with cinnamon powder can cure stomach ache and can also clear stomach ulcers.
- BLOATEDNESS
According to the studies done in India & Japan, it is revealed that when honey is taken with cinnamon powder significant reduction in bloatedness may be noted.
- IMMUNE SYSTEM
Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder can strengthen the immune system and protect the body from bacteria and viral attacks.
- INDIGESTION
Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food, relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.
- FLU
A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ingredient, which kills the Flu bacteria and saves the patient from the severe effects of the Flu.
- ANTI AGING
Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly can arrest the ravages of old age. 4 spoons of honey, 1 spoon of cinnamon powder and 3 cups of water boiled and drunk like tea can keep the skin fresh and soft whilst arresting old age.
- ACNE
Three parts of honey and one part of cinnamon powder when applied on the affected area before sleeping can help cure acne.
- SKIN INFECTIONS
Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on affected parts can cure eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.
- WEIGHT LOSS
A warm drink made of honey and cinnamon powder boiled in water for a few minutes can help with weight loss if sipped at least twice a day. Regular intake of this mixture inhibits accumulation of fat in the body. Of course this needs to be implemented with a healthy diet.
- CANCER
Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that cancer of the stomach and bones has be cured in some cases depending on the degree and stage of the cancer.
- FATIGUE
Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon power in equal parts, are more alert and flexible. Research shows that half a tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, daily at about 3.00 p.m. when energy levels start to flag, can help boost energy levels within a week.
- BAD BREATH
People of South America, first thing in the morning gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water to keep their breath fresh throughout the day. With so many promising benefits who wouldn’t be tempted to include this interesting spice in our daily cooking.
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Cinnamon in cooking
Experts say that true (Ceylon) Cinnamon should be reserved for sweet and delicate dishes and Cassia for savoury dishes and stewed fruits. However, as many of us have probably been using commercially ground cinnamon which is sometimes a mixture of cassia and cinnamon, we are not going to start a “snob” fad are we. Most of the cuisines from the areas where cinnamon grows, feature it heavily in savoury dishes such as curries, roasted meats, vegetable and rice dishes, as do Arabic and North African cuisines – Tagines are an excellent example. It’s also contained in spices mixes such as the Indian Garam Masala, the Moroccan Ras el Hanout and the Chinese Five spice.
We have so far tended to favour its use in sweet recipes such as biscuits, cakes and desserts although this is changing with the huge
exchange of culinary cultures which has taken place in more recent times. As with most spices, Cinnamon should be kept in a cool dark place in an air-tight container where it will keep its aroma and flavour for many months. Also with all spices you need to experiment with the amounts to discover your own preferences! Also do try using them out of context i.e. in dishes that you would never use them in ordinarily. Here are some nutritious recipes to experiment with:
Carrot and Ginger Soup Ingredients
- 1 tsp Olive Oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 900g carrots, coarsely chopped
- 1 litre fresh chicken or vegetable stock
- 4 tsp cinnamon powder
- 2 tbsp finely chopped ginger
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 90ml Sour Cream
Instructions
- Heal the oil in a large saucepan until hot, add the onion
and sauté for 5 minutes.
- Add the carrots and stir to coat then add the stock, mix
well, reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes until
carrots are tender.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly then transfer
to a blender or food processor and process until smooth.
- Add sour cream, vanilla, and ginger, and process to mix
well adding a little more stock if the soup is too thick.
- Return to the rinsed out saucepan, add cinnamon powder
and gently heat through. Serve hot! These are just some of the recipes that include cinnamon as a
spice or flavour. You could always try adding cinnamon to
your coffee or lemonade or other recipes whilst cooking.
Then sit back and enjoy the double benefit of the slightly
exotic flavour with the fantastic health benefits!
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