Cinnamon, with its warm aroma and deliciously sweet flavor, is one of the most beloved spices in the world. Extremely versatile, it can be found in its raw form, such as cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon, or mixed with many other spices from around the world to create delicious blends. Moreover, it is used in both sweet and savory dishes.

In addition to its culinary uses, cinnamon is believed to have numerous health benefits.

Its cultivation, its benefits, how to consume it: we answer all your questions so you can become an expert on this highly appreciated spice.

Its history and production

Cinnamon has been a highly valued spice worldwide for thousands of years. From the Mediterranean to China, all ancient civilizations knew and adopted this mysterious spice, derived from the bark of the cinnamon tree. Its distinctive aroma and taste have been used to flavor foods, beverages, and body care products in many cultures. Originally from Sri Lanka, cinnamon has been cultivated in many regions of the world over the centuries, including China, India, Indonesia, and Egypt.

Cinnamon is obtained from the inner bark of the cinnamon tree, which is harvested, dried, and ground into a fine aromatic powder or rolled into sticks. Cinnamon trees are regularly pruned to encourage the growth of new branches, from which lighter and more fragrant cinnamon sticks can be harvested.

Albert Ménès places great importance on selecting the highest quality, as well as the aesthetic appeal of its products. Thus, we offer superior quality cinnamon, which is justified by its optimal level of coumarin, giving it a fragrant and sweet taste, as well as its beautiful light brown color. Indeed, the paler the color of this spice, the better its quality.

The different types of cinnamon

There are two main varieties of cinnamon:

• Ceylon cinnamon, also known as 'true cinnamon.' It is considered the superior quality variety. Its aroma is softer and more subtle, with citrus notes.
• Cassia cinnamon, which is more common and less expensive than Ceylon cinnamon. It has a stronger, spicier flavor, with more pronounced cinnamon notes. Most of the ground cinnamon you find in stores is of the Cassia variety.

Cinnamon Sticks or Ground Cinnamon: What's the Difference?

The main difference between cinnamon sticks and ground cinnamon lies in their form. Cinnamon sticks are made from rolled bark, while ground cinnamon is made from the ground bark. Cinnamon sticks are ideal for infusing into hot drinks or slow-cooked dishes, while ground cinnamon is perfect for sprinkling over desserts, coffee, or quickly cooked dishes.

Cinnamon at Albert Ménès

At Albert Ménès, we offer a selection of over 20 cinnamon-based products. Often used in its pure form, it is also found in many spice blends such as the Four-Spice Mix, Tajine Mix, or Tandoori Mix.

• Our ground cinnamon from Madagascar belongs to the Ceylon family. Carefully selected from a cooperative, it has subtle aromas and citrus notes that make it ideal for flavoring desserts, such as panna cotta or milk-based dishes.
• Discover the sweet taste of cinnamon in our Fig and Cinnamon Jam. This two-flavor jam offers delightfully warm and comforting notes, perfect for winter snacks. It is ideal for spreading on toast at breakfast or enhancing cheese or foie gras.
• Albert Ménès cinnamon sticks are guaranteed to be of Indonesian origin. These whole sticks, about 6 cm high, are perfect for flavoring savory dishes like tagines, or adding to fruit salads, compotes, or jams.

What Are the Benefits of Cinnamon?

Cinnamon is not only highly valued for its taste and fragrance but also for its numerous health benefits. This spice has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and is well-known for being an antioxidant, an anti-inflammatory, and a digestive aid.

Indeed, cinnamon bark is believed to be rich in antioxidants, which would help maintain good health for those who consume this gentle spice. It is also an excellent source of iron and calcium, which contribute to the proper functioning of our bodies, according to Lescuyer Laboratories.

Thanks to these properties, cinnamon is used in various forms—powder, essential oil, or extracts—in different dietary supplements to promote digestion and reduce inflammation and spasms.

Dr. Cieur-Tranquard, a pharmacist specialized in herbal medicine and aromatherapy, lists the main benefits of cinnamon in his book "My Ideal Natural Pharmacy." These include:

• Fighting colds and flu-like conditions
• Easing bloating due to its antiseptic and anti-infective properties
• Providing energy through its stimulating and energizing actions
• Stimulating appetite thanks to a component that activates the salivary glands
• Helping to combat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's

How to Consume Cinnamon?

Used in cooking around the world, cinnamon is often associated with the holiday season. It adds warm and comforting flavors to your dishes. Explore all our recipe ideas featuring our cinnamon products.

Cinnamon flavors many desserts, such as gingerbread, apple pies, muffins, and cinnamon rolls.

It is also used to sprinkle on beverages. On a cup of coffee, cinnamon enhances the aromatic notes of Arabica and adds a mild peppery flavor. It also flavors hot chocolate, lattes, cocktails, and various infusions.

This spice is also used in savory dishes, such as Moroccan tagines, Indian curries, or meat dishes. Cinnamon brings warm and slightly spicy notes to the various spice blends in which it is present.