The fragrant cinnamon is acquired from the inner bark of several trees of the genus Cinnamomum, of the family Lauraceae. Although there are more than one hundred varieties of the cinnamon tree, two varieties, namely the Ceylon cinnamon, also known as 'true cinnamon' and the Chinese cinnamon, also as 'cassia' are the most popular. Ceylon cinnamon, native to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Burma and the Malabar Coast of India, is more rare and thereby more expensive than the commonly available cassia.

Cinnamon is one of the oldest known among spices and was used by the Egyptians in the embalming process. It is harvested during the months of June and July, by scraping off the outer bark, and then beating the branch evenly with a hammer to loosen the inner bark. The inner bark is then prised out into strips that curl into long rolls, known as quills.

Uses of cinnamon

As a condiment: Cinnamon is a popular spice and is used in cuisines all over the world. An indispensible ingredient in various desserts such as apple pie, cinnamon rolls, doughnuts and spiced candies, cinnamon is also used to flavor various cereals and bread based dishes. In Mexico, the world's largest importer of cinnamon, it is used in the preparation of chocolate. In Indian, Persian and Middle Eastern cooking, cinnamon is used to bring heat into various meat-based dishes.

For general health: The warm and dry properties of cinnamon has been traditionally used a medicine to cure a variety of illnesses including common colds, kidney disorders and skin infections. Recent research has proved that the essential oils found in the cinnamon bark have exceptional anti-clotting, anti-bacterial and anti-microbial effects. Cinnamon is also an effective agent in the reduction of high blood sugar. It acts on the body by improving insulin activity and enabling the cells to increase their blood glucose absorption levels.

Selection and storage of cinnamon

Fresh cinnamon will have a strong, sweet smell; so if possible, smell the cinnamon before purchasing in bulk quantities. While both Ceylon cinnamon and cassia have essentially the same warm and fragrant smell, Ceylon cinnamon is thinner, sweeter and more refined in taste.

Cinnamon should be stored in an airtight glass container in a cool, dark and dry place. While ground cinnamon will remain fresh for about six months, whole cinnamon sticks will stay fresh for about a year. Refrigerating cinnamon will help extend the shelf life by six months.

Purchase superior quality cinnamon at Ameen Exports

Ameen Exports, a premium spice exporter located in Cochin, Kerala, offers freshly procured whole cinnamon sticks, broken cinnamon/ cinnamon splits and fine ground cinnamon. Sourced directly from the planters themselves, the cinnamon is processed in our state-of-the-art processing unit before exporting. We also offer customized branding and packaging solutions to clients located all over the world.

Contact us for more information.

The fragrant cinnamon is acquired from the inner bark of several trees of the genus Cinnamomum, of the family Lauraceae. Although there are more than one hundred varieties of the cinnamon tree, two varieties, namely the Ceylon cinnamon, also known as 'true cinnamon' and the Chinese cinnamon, also as 'cassia' are the most popular. Ceylon cinnamon, native to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Burma and the Malabar Coast of India, is more rare and thereby more expensive than the commonly available cassia.

Cinnamon is one of the oldest known among spices and was used by the Egyptians in the embalming process. It is harvested during the months of June and July, by scraping off the outer bark, and then beating the branch evenly with a hammer to loosen the inner bark. The inner bark is then prised out into strips that curl into long rolls, known as quills.

Uses of cinnamon

As a condiment: Cinnamon is a popular spice and is used in cuisines all over the world. An indispensible ingredient in various desserts such as apple pie, cinnamon rolls, doughnuts and spiced candies, cinnamon is also used to flavor various cereals and bread based dishes. In Mexico, the world's largest importer of cinnamon, it is used in the preparation of chocolate. In Indian, Persian and Middle Eastern cooking, cinnamon is used to bring heat into various meat-based dishes.

For general health: The warm and dry properties of cinnamon has been traditionally used a medicine to cure a variety of illnesses including common colds, kidney disorders and skin infections. Recent research has proved that the essential oils found in the cinnamon bark have exceptional anti-clotting, anti-bacterial and anti-microbial effects. Cinnamon is also an effective agent in the reduction of high blood sugar. It acts on the body by improving insulin activity and enabling the cells to increase their blood glucose absorption levels.

Selection and storage of cinnamon

Fresh cinnamon will have a strong, sweet smell; so if possible, smell the cinnamon before purchasing in bulk quantities. While both Ceylon cinnamon and cassia have essentially the same warm and fragrant smell, Ceylon cinnamon is thinner, sweeter and more refined in taste.

Cinnamon should be stored in an airtight glass container in a cool, dark and dry place. While ground cinnamon will remain fresh for about six months, whole cinnamon sticks will stay fresh for about a year. Refrigerating cinnamon will help extend the shelf life by six months.

Purchase superior quality cinnamon at Ameen Exports

Ameen Exports, a premium spice exporter located in Cochin, Kerala, offers freshly procured whole cinnamon sticks, broken cinnamon/ cinnamon splits and fine ground cinnamon. Sourced directly from the planters themselves, the cinnamon is processed in our state-of-the-art processing unit before exporting. We also offer customized branding and packaging solutions to clients located all over the world.

Contact us for more information.