Quick Facts
Botanical Name: Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Family Name: Lauraceae
Common Name: Chinese Cinnamon, bastard Cinnamon
Part used: barks
Refractive Index: 1.57300 to 1.59100 @ 20°C
Specific Gravity: 1.01000 to 1.03000 @ 25°C
Optical Rotation: 0° to 20° @ 30°C

Blends Well With: Alcohol and cannot be mixed in water

Uses: This oil is used as a medicated herb, also used as a kitchen spice.

Countries where it is found

It is precisely found in Bangladesh, Sri-Lanka, Burma and India's Malabar Coast

Harvesting Information

Cinnamon Oil is extracted from laurel, which needs tropical climate. It is grown in places with low altitude and with moisture and heat. Cinnamon harvesting is done by growing the tree for at least two years initially and then coppicing is done, as in coppicing  number of shoots are grown from roots again. When so many branches are gained then the innermost bark is loosened with the beating of hammers on the bark and inner bark comes out in thin rolls. After that these elegant rolls are dried and cut in the length to 10cm and are sold too.

History of the Plant

It is supposed that cassia, which is one of its species, was sent from China to Egypt but the diversification of cassia and Cinnamon was used first in the Hebrew Bible, when Moses was ordered to use both in sacred oil. Many myths and legends have described this pious herb as it is also described in the myths of the Jerusalem temple, where the robes of the royal kings were perfumed with cassia and Cinnamon. It was also exchanged as a gift to the neighbouring nations. Its initial Greek reference was found in Sappho "s poem. Indonesian rafts were also specified trading it. Famous as a royal spice, it was kept far from the reach of the common man because of its high price in Asian countries, although it is now within reach of the common man. Portuguese, Dutch references of trades of Cinnamon are also there in history.

Extraction Process

This oil is extracted using the process of steam distillation. It has a sweet and sharp taste. The barks of Cinnamon are also used for medicinal purpose. Cassia is also a related species; it's distinguished from true cinnamon. On one hand it is a king of kitchen and helps to spice up the recipes; on the other hand it also helps to make your body free from many diseases. This medicated herb is a great gift of nature to us and has a poignant smell and taste. Cinnamon is also referred as sweet wood in some of the countries of the globe.

Commonly known Benefits

Presently it is a spice which adds flavour to so many desserts, chocolates, rice, apple pie, buns, candies, tea spices, hot cocoa, Turkish cuisines and many liquors etc. It is also sometimes mixed with rose water to make it more pious and greater. It is also believed that doctors in the olden times used it to cure common cold, kidney problems and even snake bites too. After knowing its uses and a great history, no global culinary would like to miss it.