Cinnamon harmony in a cup

Oct 11, 2024Ilona Al Saleh

Are you a fan of cinnamon tea? We have prepared a cinnamon information pack for you: the history and benefits of cinnamon tea. Ready for some spice? Let's go!

Where does cinnamon come from?

Cinnamon is made from the inner bark of several species of trees in the genus Cinnamomum . It is the name given to various species of trees and the commercial products made from them. Like all teas (except herbal teas and tisanes) come from the plant genus Camellia sinensis , all cinnamon trees belong to the genus Cinnamomum in the family Lauraceae , the laurel family. The trees can grow to over 60 feet (18 m) tall, but are often maintained as shrubs for easier harvesting of the bark.

After harvesting, the bark is dried and either ground or rolled into sticks, called " quills ". Cinnamon has been used since 2000 BC and is one of the earliest known spices. Ceylon cinnamon, also known as "true" cinnamon, originates from Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon). Today, cinnamon is primarily grown in other Asian countries, including China, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

Women in tea companies and shops

In today's tea industry, women are not just in the production field. Many women are leading tea brands, cafes, shops and farms, even in Western countries. For example, many tea roasters, tea experts and tea sommeliers are women, bringing their knowledge, passion and creativity to every cup.

An interesting trend in recent years is the growing number of female entrepreneurs starting their own tea brands or cafes. These entrepreneurs combine tradition with a modern approach, bringing tea to new generations of consumers. They also help improve access to tea as a cultural experience that can be both sustainable and equitable.

Properties of cinnamon

Although there are several types of cinnamon, four main types are used for culinary purposes: Ceylon cinnamon (also called Sri Lankan or “true” cinnamon), Chinese cinnamon (or cassia cinnamon), Indonesian cinnamon (or Korintje cinnamon), and Vietnamese cinnamon (or Saigon cinnamon). Ceylon cinnamon has a mild, delicate flavor, while other types of cinnamon have a sharper, more pronounced flavor. They also vary in color—Ceylon cinnamon is a yellowish brown, Indonesian and Vietnamese cinnamon is more reddish brown, and Chinese cinnamon is dark brown.

History of cinnamon

Cinnamon was considered as valuable as gold in ancient times and was used as an offering to gods and monarchs. The ancient Egyptians used cinnamon as part of their embalming rituals, and both the Egyptians and Romans burned it in funerals. One of the first spices to be traded, cinnamon was sought after by European expeditions in the 15th century, and is said to have indirectly led to the discovery of America. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, the Portuguese and Dutch clashed over control of the cinnamon plantations in Ceylon.

Cinnamon, and therefore cinnamon tea, has many health benefits. In addition to being considered an appetite stimulant, it is beneficial for digestion, effective for coughs and sore throats, and is even attributed with aphrodisiac properties. Cinnamon contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances, as well as vitamin A, calcium, and magnesium. Research suggests that it may help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels in people with diabetes, as well as increase metabolism. So not only is it delicious, but it is also healthy (in moderation, of course!).