Cinnamon

Lore & Background

It was so highly prized that it was regarded as a gift fit for monarchs and deities; an inscription records the gift of cinnamon and cassia to the temple of Apollo at Miletus. Its source was kept a trade secret in the Mediterranean world for centuries. In Ancient Egypt, cinnamon was used to embalm mummies, and recipes for kyphi included cinnamon and cassia. The first Greek reference to cassia is found in a poem by Sappho in the 7th century BC. Herodotus, Aristotle, and other authors named Arabia as the source, recounting tales of giant 'cinnamon birds' collecting sticks from an unknown land.

Reader's Guide

Cinnamon's significance lies in its long history as a highly valued spice, driving trade and exploration. From ancient Egypt to medieval Europe, it was a luxury item, often used in religious offerings, embalming, and as a flavouring. The mystery of its origin spurred European efforts to find direct routes to Asia, contributing to the Age of Discovery. The spice trade was dominated by Venetian, Portuguese, Dutch, and British interests, with control shifting over centuries. Today, cinnamon is a common household spice, with China leading global production. Its cultivation involves coppicing trees and processing the inner bark into quills. The distinction between true cinnamon (C. verum) and cassia species remains important in commerce. The spice's essential oil, particularly cinnamaldehyde, gives it its characteristic aroma and flavour, making it a staple in cuisines worldwide.

Did You Know?

• Cinnamon is obtained from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum.
• The English word 'cinnamon' derives from the Ancient Greek κιννάμωμον, via Latin and medieval French.
• Emperor Nero is said to have burned a year's worth of Rome's cinnamon supply at the funeral of his wife Poppaea Sabina in AD 65.