What does a cinnamon plant look like?

Here is the answer with Scientific Background of Ceylon Cinnamon.

Cinnamon is an ancient spice obtained from the inner bark of trees known as Cinnamomum. These trees have a thick brown bark and tiny yellow flowers, and the leaves of these trees have a spicy aroma. The height of these trees range from nearly 20 to 60 feet, and these trees are typically found in tropical forests and in tropical regions such as West Indies and the Philippines.

Some studies prove that during the 200BC cinnamon was used to embalm mummies in Egypt. Cinnamon is used as a flavoring additive and as an Aromatic Condiment in preparing snack foods, savory dishes, cereals, traditional foods and tea. The word “Cinnamon” is mostly used to describe its color of mid brown.

Cinnamon was a highly-priced spice in the past among nations. When it comes to the cultivation part of this highly-priced spice, the leaves and bark are the first parts of the plant used for harvesting. This spice has cultivated after growing the tree for approximately two years, after that it is necessary to cut it at ground level.

Then while the inner bark is wet, stems must be processed instantly after harvesting. Cinnamon also referred to as a pleasing indoor container plant. It has proved experimentally, that Cinnamon can be grown indoors from 4 to 5 feet and outdoors ranging from 20 to 30 feet. This tree contains long oval-shaped leaves nearly 7 inches long. The initial harvesting of this spice is doing from branches that are as a minimum two years old.

Even though the Cinnamon is a fast-growing tree, it needs space to recline. So it is essential to plant it in rows by keeping a distance of 10 feet between each. Cinnamon trees can also be grown in pots if the pots are adequate for the roots to grow and develop. It is necessary to choose a container nearly 20 inches in height and 16 to 24 inches in diameter, and it’s mandatory to have drain holes.

Scientific Background of Ceylon Cinnamon

Scientific Name of Cassia Cinnamon Scientific Name : Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

There are two categories of cinnamon “Cinnamomum Zeylanicum” and “Cinnamomum Cassia” in other words “True Cinnamon” and “False Cinnamon”. Cinnamomum is an evergreen tree and shrubs of the tree belongs to the laurel family, Lauraceae. Cinnamomum contains aromatic oil in their barks and leaves.

Cinnamomum Zeylanicum in other words true cinnamon is mostly native to Southern India and Ceylon, whereas Cinnamomum Cassia is native to Southeast Asia and Eastern Himalayan.

Ceylon Cinnamon Nutrition Chart

Sri Lanka is considered to be the World’s largest exporter and producer of Ceylon Cinnamon to different parts of the world. The category of cinnamon that is grown in Sri Lanka has a variety of forms, and the most common category identified in Sri Lanka is ground cinnamon.

Ceylon cinnamon has a unique smell and a light brown color. This category of cinnamon is expensive and rare compared to other categories. Based on the diameter of the quill, there are different grades of Ceylon Cinnamon namely Alba, Continental, Mexican and Hamburg. Apart from the main types of cinnamon there are more than hundreds of wild cinnamon from all around the world.

Ceylon Cinnamon Plantation Visit