Everyone knows cinnamon but perhaps not everyone knows its history, properties and benefits!

Cinnamon is a spice with an unmistakable flavor, it lends itself to multiple uses and boasts several interesting therapeutic properties.

Cinnamon: where it comes from

The best quality, finer and more expensive, is obtained from “Cinnamomum zeylanicum”, also called Cinnamomum vera; it is a shrub originally from Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon), which still remains the most important producer worldwide.

A nice curiosity is that it is harvested twice a year, in spring and autumn, after the rainy season.

Oriental cinnamon

Chinese cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia or Cinnamomum Aromaticum) is characterized by a bright red color, with less delicate aromas and flavors; it is produced in China, Bangladesh, India and Vietnam, and is made up of shorter and thicker torches, and ranks one step lower.

Cinnamon today can be found in the form of sticks or in powder form.

In addition to its classic use in cooking as an ingredient in savory and sweet dishes, cinnamon also has medicinal properties.

For this reason, it can be used as a medicinal remedy.

The properties of cinnamon

It is antiseptic, bactericidal and disinfectant. It is also particularly suitable for fighting respiratory tract infections.

It is also a natural disinfectant in cases of wounds and abrasions. In fact, ground cinnamon can be applied directly to the affected areas.

It can also be used in the form of essential oil, obtained from the distillation of the macerate of the bark in sea water.

Cinnamon essential oil

The essential oil of cinnamon is obtained from the leaves and young branches, using the method of steam distillation.

It looks like a dark yellow liquid, with a pleasant aroma and spicy scent.

Other studies recently conducted on the properties of cinnamon have recognized this spice as an important role in controlling the blood sugar level. In particular, cinnamon lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes (the one that does not require the administration of insulin).

One study highlighted the reduction of hypertension and body weight.

It is therefore an excellent idea to add a little cinnamon, without exaggerating, to the dishes we consume daily, in addition to flavoring, it helps digestion and is good for health, especially for those who are overweight and at risk of diabetes and those who are already diabetic. .

Cinnamon in the kitchen

In natural cooking it is often associated with sweet flavors such as honey, chocolate and is used both for cakes and in ice cream and candies ... But also as an extra touch for coffee!

Not surprisingly, in some countries such as Portugal, coffee is served with a cinnamon stick.

But it is also extraordinary as a spice if we want to give that unmistakable aroma to homemade Christmas cookies, which you find every December at Babigtons to decorate your Christmas trees and serve at tea time during the holidays, and in drinks!

Cinnamon in drinks and tea

There are also cinnamon-based drinks such as grog, which can be prepared by mixing in a cup (120 ml) of boiling water, 60 ml of dark rum, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and 1 cinnamon stick.

But there are also precious, aromatic and delicate blends that have this special ingredient among their properties!

Like our Karha Chai blend, a true gift from India and Assam black tea enriched with cardamom, pink pepper, cinnamon and ginger. A world of perfumes is released right under your nose: you just have to be conquered by its irresistible flavor!

Or The Emperor's Tea, where black teas from China, India and Ceylon are naturally scented with orange blossom, red fruits, cinnamon and ginger. The power of black tea blends with the elegance of flowers, the scent of vanilla, the unpredictability of red pepper: a taste to be explored.

Discover the Babingtons blends

On our e-shop and in the Tea Shop you will find every fine blend we have produced with that pinch of madness, care and dedication that we look for in each of our blends.

Discover them to receive a beneficial and delicate pampering whenever you wish!