Product Spotlight: Organic True Cinnamon Powder

Cinnamon, the aromatic, sweet, uplifting spice, has reached superfood status, owing to its numerous health benefits and excellent flavour. With Autumn on its way, it's the perfect spice for warming drinks and evenings spent curled up on the sofa. 

Where does cinnamon come from? 

Cinnamon comes from the reddish-brown inner bark of several evergreen trees from the genus Cinnamomum, part of the Lauraceae family of plants. All types of cinnamon belong to this family.

A rich history: more precious than gold? 

Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices known and was once one of the most sought after commodities on the planet. It was used in ancient Egypt as a medicine, a way to flavour food and beverages, and as an embalming agent. It was viewed as being more valuable than gold and a gift from the gods. 

Cinnamon also received much attention in China, which is reflected in its mention in one of the earliest books on Chinese botanical medicine, dated around 2,700 B.C. Cinnamon's popularity continued throughout history, and it became one of the most relied upon spices in medieval Europe. It was also used in the Old Testament as an ingredient in anointing oil. 

Ceylon vs. Cassia: 

There are hundreds of types of cinnamon, but the main two species of cinnamon, sold commercially, are Ceylon and Cassia. They have a similar flavour, but Ceylon tends to be sweeter with a more delicate texture. Ceylon is produced in Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Brazil, and the Caribbean, while Cassia is mainly produced in China, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Also known as “true cinnamon,” Ceylon is rarer and generally seen as superior. However, some people prefer Cassia, and it's the variety your supermarket will most likely stock.

Health benefits:

Cinnamon has many health benefits, backed up by numerous studies. It is said to lower blood sugar, and have an anti-diabetic effect. See the study here. In research that compared the antioxidant activity of 26 spices, cinnamon wound up as the clear winner, even outranking “super spices” like garlic and oregano. See the study here. We think cinnamon is good for the body, mind, and soul and a fantastic holistic remedy. 

Stay Fresh cinnamon:

Stay Fresh Organics' organic cinnamon powder is very fresh, GMO-free, and non-irradiated; grown the way nature intended. It's "true" cinnamon from Sri Lanka and is botanically known as Cinnamomum verum. When it is harvested, the bark is stripped and sun-dried. As it dries, it curls into quills. It's then ground and packaged in our resealable pouches - to stay fresh for longer. Buy here.

Getting the most out of your cinnamon:

• Mix with honey and hot water for a refreshing cinnamon tea
• Add as a sugar replacement in your tea and coffee
• Add to cakes and desserts
• Add to turmeric to make turmeric latte, golden paste - Click for turmeric latte recipe
• Use to make cinnamon toast
• Stir into yogurt