“Ceylon cinnamon”: Much more than just a spice – By Dr Harold Gunatillake ‘Cinnamon, with its ability to enhance the flavour of meals, serve as a delightful substitute for sugar or salt, and inspire healthier choices, is a spice that truly does it all’. Today, we’re shifting our focus from health topics to exploring a fascinating spice that originates from the bark of a tree unique to Sri Lanka. This transition allows us to appreciate this ingredient’s culinary and cultural significance. Cinnamomum zeylanicum, widely recognised as Ceylon cinnamon or true cinnamon, is a species native to Sri Lanka and has been cultivated for centuries. This spice not only enriches our meals but also plays a crucial role in the country’s economy, generating considerable foreign revenue and supporting the livelihoods of over 350,000 families engaged in various aspects of the cinnamon industry. Its deep- rooted significance in Sri Lankan culture and ...