Ceylon Cinnamon History – By Nadeeka – eLanka
Cinnamon has been an important part of Sri Lanka’s history and economy for centuries. Sri Lanka, which was known as Ceylon until 1972, is one of the largest producers and exporters of cinnamon in the world.
Cinnamon was originally grown in Sri Lanka’s central hills, and it quickly became a valuable commodity. The ancient Egyptians used cinnamon for embalming, and it was also used in ancient Rome as a perfume and medicine. In Sri Lanka, cinnamon was used as a spice and for medicinal purposes.
The first Europeans to arrive in Sri Lanka were the Portuguese in the early 16th century. They quickly realized the value of cinnamon and took control of the cinnamon trade. They forced the Sri Lankan people to hand over their cinnamon supplies and imposed high taxes on cinnamon exports.
The Dutch later took control of Sri Lanka from the Portuguese in the mid-17th century and also took control of the cinnamon trade. They established cinnamon plantations and brought in workers from other parts of Asia to work on the plantations.
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The British took control of Sri Lanka from the Dutch in the early 19th century, and they continued to export cinnamon. Today, Sri Lanka is the largest producer and exporter of true cinnamon, which is known as Ceylon cinnamon. Cinnamon is still an important part of Sri Lanka’s economy, and it is used in a variety of ways, including in food, medicine, and cosmetics.
The exact origins of cinnamon in Sri Lanka are not known, but it is believed that cinnamon has been grown in Sri Lanka for over 2,000 years. According to ancient chronicles, cinnamon was first introduced to Sri Lanka by the Indian Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. However, it is also believed that cinnamon may have been grown in Sri Lanka even earlier than that.
Sri Lankan cinnamon, also known as Ceylon cinnamon, is very popular for a few reasons:
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- Unique flavor and aroma: Sri Lankan cinnamon has a sweet and complex flavor with notes of clove, citrus, and wood. It has a warm, sweet aroma that is distinct from other types of cinnamon.
- High quality: Sri Lankan cinnamon is known for its high quality and purity. It is made from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree, which is native to Sri Lanka. The bark is carefully harvested and dried, resulting in a high-quality product.
- Health benefits: Cinnamon has been used for its health benefits for centuries. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and it may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve brain function.
- Versatility: Cinnamon is a versatile spice that can be used in a variety of dishes, including sweet and savory dishes. It can be used in baking, cooking, and beverages, and it is also used in cosmetics and medicine.
Sri Lanka produces a wide range of cinnamon products that are exported all over the world. Some of the most popular Sri Lankan cinnamon products include:
- Cinnamon sticks: Cinnamon sticks are made from the dried bark of the cinnamon tree. They are used as a spice in cooking and baking, and they can also be used to flavor tea and other beverages.
- Cinnamon powder: Cinnamon powder is made by grinding cinnamon sticks. It is a popular spice used in baking, cooking, and beverages.
- Cinnamon oil: Cinnamon oil is made by distilling cinnamon bark. It is used in cosmetics, perfumes, and aromatherapy.
- Cinnamon tea: Cinnamon tea is made by steeping cinnamon sticks or cinnamon powder in hot water. It has a sweet, spicy flavor and is often enjoyed as a digestive aid.
- Cinnamon supplements: Cinnamon supplements are available in capsule or tablet form. They are used for their health benefits, such as regulating blood sugar levels and improving brain function.
- Cinnamon soap and other cosmetic products: Cinnamon is used in cosmetics and personal care products for its fragrance and natural antiseptic properties.
Cinnamon has been used for its health benefits for centuries. Some of the potential health benefits of cinnamon include:
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Cinnamon has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body, which can be beneficial for conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
- Antioxidant properties: Cinnamon is a potent antioxidant that can help protect the body from free radical damage. Free radicals can cause oxidative stress, which can contribute to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
- Blood sugar control: Cinnamon has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. It can also improve insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in the cells, which can help lower blood sugar levels.
- Brain function: Cinnamon contains compounds that can improve brain function and protect the brain from damage. It may also help improve memory and cognitive function.
- Digestive health: Cinnamon has natural antiseptic properties that can help kill harmful bacteria in the gut. It can also improve digestion and reduce bloating and gas.
- Anti-microbial properties: Cinnamon has natural anti-microbial properties that can help fight against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It may also help boost the immune system.
It is important to note that while cinnamon has many potential health benefits, it should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. Always speak with a healthcare professional before using cinnamon for health purposes.
Cinnamon tea Recipe.
Making cinnamon tea is a simple and easy process. Here’s a basic recipe for making cinnamon tea:
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Ingredients:
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 cups of water
- Honey (optional)
- Lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
- Add the cinnamon sticks and water to a medium-sized saucepan.
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let the cinnamon simmer in the water for about 15-20 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the cinnamon tea into a teapot or individual cups.
- If desired, add honey or lemon juice to taste.
- Serve the cinnamon tea hot and enjoy!
Note: You can adjust the recipe to your liking by using more or less cinnamon sticks or adjusting the steeping time. You can also add other ingredients like ginger, cloves, or cardamom to add additional flavor and health benefits to your cinnamon tea.
