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Treat to the senses
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Cinnamon is a lot more than just a spice
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SPICY STUFF The flowers of a cinnamon tree
It is also called Cinnamomum zeyancicum. Cinnamon has been used since Biblical times, first in combination with others as one of the ingredients of body scent or 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. Sri Lanka's cinnamon is considered to be the "true cinnamon", while the Chinese cinnamon is known as Cassia. It provides warmth in winter and is used in pickles, pies and for flavouring purposes. It has a warming effect and should be used in small quantities.
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. Get innovative with cinnamon - over breakfast. 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. Cinnamon is also boosts good health. 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 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
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