|
- Origin
Cinnamon is a very old spice. Cinnamon is mentioned in Chinese sources dated 2800 year BC. Cinnamon is also mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the part where God advises Moses on how to carry out the anointing.
Cinnamon is often forged. That is why it is best to buy cinnamon whole instead of ground. In addition it is better not to buy cinnamon which had been made in countries which do not manufacture cinnamon such as USA, Israel, Germany etc. However, cinnamon made in England, France and Netherland is usually of decent quality. Although cinnamon originated in Ceylon, nowadays it is cultivated in many tropical and subtropical countries.
- Varieties
Ceylon cinnamon is often called the “real cinnamon”. It excels the quality of all other varieties. Ceylon cinnamon is very fragile. It has delicate and tender scent and slightly sweet, but a little burning taste. Chinese cinnamon (also called Indian cinnamon) came from South China. Its taste is harsher and a bit more burning. Malabar cinnamon originated in Indian, but nowadays it also grows in Burma. It differs from the other two varieties in both looks and taste. It is from 3mm thick and it has bitter taste and dark-brown colour.
Cinnamon is sold as cylindrical a piece of bark, 1 cm in diameter. It can also be sold as powder.
- Usage
Cinnamon is used for various marinades, fruit salads, bakery, lamb with prunes, roast lamb, vegetable ragout, rice pudding, apple strudel and many others. It is better to add cinnamon 10 minutes before boiling or roasting is over.
Warm and charming scent of cinnamon works particularly well with apples, pears and chocolate. That is why real gourmet put a pinch of cinnamon and ground chocolate into cappuccino. Cinnamon is also like a fairy, which can turn a regular meal into something truly delicious. For instance simple toasts sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon is one of the favourite treats at the traditional tea parties in Oxford and Cambridge.
- Amount
It adds a very delicate aroma and a distinctive spicy aftertaste. 0.2-0.5g is usually enough.
- Combinations and substitutes
Cinnamon can be combined with other spices such as cloves.
- Storage
It is best to buy cinnamon powder in small quantities, because it loses its flavour quite fast. The flavour of cinnamon sticks is more lasting, but they are very hard to ground.
|
(NC)—For the 3 million Canadians who have diabetes, it can be a challenge to eat right and control blood glucose levels. Those who have recently been diagnosed with the disease must also learn new dietary habits and pay much closer attention to factors like alcohol intake, vegetarianism and the food they eat when they are away from home. Here are a few recommendations that may help you in this regard.