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Barking Up The Right Tree With Cinnamon Makes A Morning Kitchen Smell So Good!

By rkutchjm on October 21, 2013 • ( 0 )

Cinnamon is tree bark. It is also known as “sweet wood.” Hundreds of years ago, it was a highly prized spice only used by the wealthy. The bark was very rare and extremely expensive. Not only used as a flavoring agent but also placed in oils and incense for religious occasions.

The less expensive “sweet wood” is called cassia from China. Spend the extra cents purchasing the Saigon version, also called Vietnamese cinnamon. This species of the spice has more aromatic oils. The result is a better taste and smell. Great for use in making hot chocolate, apple pie, cinnamon buns/toast, etc.

Mix a bit in the grinder when grounding your coffee beans. If you purchase your beans already ground, place a little on top of the grounds before brewing in your drip coffeemaker. The aroma is amazing. Cinnamon gives the coffee a nice subtle delicious flavor. It’s also a powerful healthy antioxidant.

Used in Mexican cuisine, mole sauce uses cinnamon as an ingredient topping for various meat dishes.

Medicinal uses include lowering abnormally high blood sugar in diabetes. Too much of the spice may cause skin irritation especially on the mucous membranes. That would be areas of the lips and mouth. Caution because high doses are bad for the liver tissues. Should speak to endocrinologist or other health care professional before dosing with cinnamon. The cassia species of cinnamon is the most popular for lowering blood sugar. It’s also darker colored than other types of the spice.

Cinnamon in larger than just sprinkle doses may interact with certain medications like anticoagulants, diabetic drugs, antibiotics and heart medications. Ask your pharmacist for help if you have a question. Remember that the only stupid question is one that’s not asked. Always better to be well-informed and safe rather sorry later down the road.

Renovating Your Mind found that cinnamon is a wonderful preservative along with garlic for meat and fish. Great combination with some salt and onions as a marinating rub before the cooking process.