Cinnamon- القرفه

About

Cinnamon is a spice which comes from the bark of the cinnamon tree. It can be used in stick form or ground into a powder of varying grades. Cinnamon is widely used to flavor beverages such as milk, as well as baked goods. This spice is also a key ingredient in a number of spice blends.

Native to Sri Lanka, ground cinnamon may be the most used baking spice. Cinnamon sticks are used to flavor biryanis, meat dishes, and pulaous. The sticks are removed prior to serving. Cinnamon has a woodsy and sweet flavor.

In Mexico it is commonly used in the production of chocolate. In the Western Hemisphere cinnamon is usually used in sweet dishes (and mixed with sugar for a topping for apples or yogurt), and in the Eastern it is used mostly for savory chicken or lamb dishes.

Information

Other names: ताज, দারচিনি Darchini, नी దాల్చిన చెక్క, Dalchini, दालचीनी, Taj

Translations: Kanēlis, Cinamonas, Scorţişoară, Cimet, Quế, Cynamon, Kaneel, दालचीनी, Canela, Корица, Κανέλα, قرفة, 계피, Skořice, Цимет, Kanela, 肉桂, Canela, Cimet, Škorica, Cannella, קינמון, Kanel, Kayu manis, シナモン, Cannelle, Zimt, Kanel, Kanel, Canela, Кориця, Kaneli, Канела

Physical Description

Cinnamon is the dried inner bark of an evergreen tree

Colors: light to dark brown

Tasting Notes

Flavors: sweet

Mouthfeel: Warm, Earthy

Food complements: Pastries

Wine complements: Pinot noir, Pomerol, Shiraz, Merlot

Beverage complements: Milk, Coffee

Substitutes: Ground cinnamon, Cinnamon extract, Cassia

Selecting and Buying

Seasonality: january, february, march, april, may, june, july, august, september, opctober, november, december

Peak: may, june, july, august, september, opctober

Choosing: If possible, smell the cinnamon to make sure it still has a strong sweet smell. This is an indication that the cinnamon is still fresh.

Buying: Cinnamon is available in stick or powder form.

Preparation and Use

Cinnamon is used in baking and cooking to add flavor and aroma

Conserving and Storing

Cinnamon barks will stay fresh for a year if stored in a tightly sealed glass container in a cool, dark place or inside the fridge. Ground cinnamon will keep for about six months

Social/Political

During the 11th century, spices like the cinnamon were used in place or currency

History: The cinnamon has a rich history and is considered one of the oldest spices known. It was mentioned in the Bible and was imported to Egypt as early as 2000BC.