Cinnamon sticks C5 Alba "Zeylanicum Verum

What is cinnamon sticks?

The one that we call spicy wood, sweet wood or even perfumed bark is an absolutely essential spice in our cuisine. Cultivated all over the world, and more particularly in Sri Lanka, Madagascar and the Seychelles, it has become part of our daily life to bring this totally unique taste to our recipes. Cinnamon has been cultivated since ancient times, and we can say that this product is a real chameleon. Very present today in our recipes, it was used in Egypt in ancient times for embalming, while in the Bible cinnamon is used in the preparation of holy oil. The Chinese praise its health benefits since 2500 BC. Today, when we think of this spice, everyone thinks of the famous Speculoos, the reference cinnamon cookie. But in reality, this spice is not only used to make cookies. It can be used in a variety of recipes, both sweet and savoury. What we like about cinnamon is that it never leaves us indifferent. We love it or we hate it.

What is the flavor of cinnamon sticks?

Cinnamon distinguishes itself from other spices by its warm, sweet and citrus notes. This spice has that little comforting thing about it that can't be described, but is experienced fully with every taste.

Harvesting cinnamon sticks

Cinnamomum verulm or cinnamomum zeylanicum comes from the cinnamon tree which belongs to the Lauraceae family. The sticks I am presenting to you are the bark. The cinnamon tree is a tree that grows wild and can reach 15 m high. Its bark is very thin. It is removed from the trunk in the morning in the spring, harvesting is preferred on rainy days. Then the skin of the bark is removed and put to dry. The bark is then crushed to make cinnamon powder, used naturally to infuse and rolled to make sticks. Note that the leaves can be eaten as well, they are reminiscent of the taste of cloves. The roots can also be eaten.

How to use cinnamon sticks?

Cinnamon is a product which slips into all your recipes to come to scent them. Entry, dish, dessert, if you adore cinnamon, you will be able to offer you a meal like no other.

Our ideas of recipes with cinnamon sticks

Carrot salad with orange and cinnamon

With this recipe, you'll never look at grated carrots the same way again. Grate your carrots. Make a dressing with olive oil, orange juice and lemon juice and add grated cinnamon. If you like sweet and sour, don't hesitate to add a pinch of cane sugar. Season with salt and pepper and serve chilled.

Sliced chicken with honey and cinnamon

Fry a chopped onion in a pan with butter and add small pieces of chicken to colour them. Add soy sauce and cinnamon, a tablespoon of honey and a little water. Leave to heat on a high heat for a few minutes. When the broth has reduced, add a tablespoon of soy sauce. Serve with Chinese noodles.

Cinnamon apple fritters

Mix flour, sugar, cinnamon and yeast and add an egg yolk with a pinch of salt in the centre. Mix and add milk as you go. Whip up a white and add it gently. Cut apple slices, dip them in the mixture and fry in a pan with hot oil for about 3 minutes per side.

The health benefits of cinnamon sticks

This spice is very good for your health. It is rich in fiber, minerals, but also in vitamins (A, E, C, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B9) . Cinnamon acts on the immune system and helps relieve colds, coughs, etc. It facilitates digestion and relieves inflammations of the intestinal flora. It also helps to fight against diarrhoea, stomach upsets and other bloating. It is also known for its anti-stress virtues, it soothes and comforts. Cinnamon is an appetite suppressant, it is perfectly appropriate in the context of a diet. You can flavour your teas and infusions with this spice. It has many other virtues: fight against hair loss, treatment of acne, fight against bad breath, etc..

The conservation of cinnamon sticks

I advise you to keep your cinnamon sticks in a dry place away from the light.