Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Verum)

Cinnamon refers to Cinnamomum Verum or ‘true cinnamon’ which is an endemic plant of Sri Lanka. Every other cinnamon (except Sri Lanka) is from related species of plants and is called ‘cassia’. Cinnamon is a spice derived by making shavings (also known as quills) of the inner bark of the cinnamon tree. Cinnamon trade has a very long history and records show cinnamon in the spice trade of Egypt as early as 2000BC. Cinnamon is often used to spice up chocolates, deserts and beverages but also for alcohol flavoring and medicine. Around 90% of the true cinnamon traded around the world is originated from Sri Lanka.