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Spice of life

Not just the queen of garam masala, cinnamon has a lot more to offer

WHAT A BLOOM The flowers of a cinnamon tree(Cinnamomum Zeylanicum) PHOTO: SEBASTIAN POSINGIS

Cinnamon has been used since Biblical times, as one of the ingredients of body perfume. It was also burnt in temples as incense. The Egyptians used it for embalming process. And since time immemorial it has been used in Indian dishes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Cinnamon is extracted from the inner bark of the tree Cinnamomum zeyancicum common in Sri Lanka. When placed under the hot sun, it curls and folds into itself. Sri Lanka's cinnamon is considered to be the "true cinnamon", while the Chinese cinnamon is known as Cassia. It provides warmth in winter. It is used in pickles, pies and for flavouring purposes. It has a warming effect and should be used in small quantities.

Treat to the senses

Cinnamon is an absolute treat to the senses. Fragrant, sweet and warm, it can truly transform a dish. Think about warm apple pie, chocolate cakes, desserts, flavoured tea and coffees, curries and rice preparations - just a dash of cinnamon elevates them all with its distinctive aroma and taste. A well-loved spice across the world, cinnamon blends well with other spices.

It is an important ingredient in the evergreen Indian garam masala. Like other powdered spices, it loses flavour quickly, hence should be purchased in small quantities. Always store it in airtight container or refrigerate it. To check if it is fresh, sniff it. If it does not smell sweet, it's no longer fresh.

Apart from its healing properties, cinnamon adds great taste to our food. However, we should not limit its use in garam masala or baked dishes. We should introduce it in our daily diet as cinnamon powder can be sprinkled over soups, cereals and sandwiches, etc.

Get innovative with cinnamon - over breakfast one can start with a honey and cinnamon paste spread over pancakes. One can also sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon powder and castor sugar on buttered bread and make cinnamon toasts. Or spice up your coffee with a dash of cinnamon. Snack time is also good time for cinnamon use - a chocolate shake with a dash of magical cinnamon. It compliments the taste of apples beautifully be it the apple pie, apple strudel or apple tarts. Cinnamon use is not only for good taste but also for good health as it boosts good health. The catechins in cinnamon acts as carminative agents, so sucking on a small piece of cinnamon helps overcome nausea.

Controls cholesterol

Cinnamon controls cholesterol as it contains calcium and fibre, which binds excess cholesterol and removes it from the body. Regular intake of cinnamon inhibits unwanted blood clotting and helps prevent heart diseases. It also stimulates blood circulation ensuring blood pressure remains in limits. It also improves insulin action thus maintaining blood sugar. Cinnamon aids digestion, small dose of cinnamon with two parts water, if consumed daily during breakfast relieves arthritis and stiffness of muscles and joints. Cinnamon cures cold, relieves toothaches when rubbed on tooth as a paste havingone part cinnamon powder and five parts honey.

Cinnamon is a divine gift having unparallel healing qualities attributed to the essential oil found in its bark.

MONISH GUJRAL

(The author is MD, Moti Mahal Tandoori Trail chain of restaurants. He can be emailed at motimahal@vsnl.com.)

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