How Cinnamon Is Harvested and Processed?

Cinnamon, its pungent aroma, and the sweet, mild taste are bliss for any cuisine in the world. This flavorsome spice is crowning our kitchens for a long time and enriching our food with its tempting taste and aroma. It is also known for its antibacterial and medicinal properties. Not a wonder why this spice was so highly prized in ancient time when wars were fought over it.

Here we are presenting all about cinnamon you should know – its history, how cinnamon is harvested and processed as well as where to buy Ceylon cinnamon, the best quality ever.

Read on!

History of Cinnamon

True cinnamon, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum is native to Sri Lanka, i.e., Ceylon. This valuable spice has been mentioned in the Chinese writing dating back to 2800 B.C. Its botanical name has been derived from Arabic term amomon means fragrant spice plant. Cinnamon was also used in embalming process by ancient Egyptians.

For its medicinal properties, the spice was used by medieval physicians to treat coughing and sore throats. In the 17th century, Dutch invaded and seized the island of Ceylon, the world’s largest supplier of cinnamon from Portuguese. However, in 1795, England acquired their victory over Holland and captured Ceylon from the French.

By 1833, the monopoly of cinnamon began to break down as the other countries discovered that it could be easily harvested in areas like Java, Sumatra, Mauritius, Reunion, Guyana, and Borneo. Cinnamon, at present, is also grown in South America, West Indies, and other tropical climates.

Harvesting

Cinnamon trees are a bushy evergreen tree, cultivated as low bushes for easier harvesting. The bushes grow in shaded areas with average rainfalls and without extreme temperature. The soil should not be waterlogged, and optimum temperature should be 27-30⁰ C. 8-10 branches grow on the tree that are harvested around the third year to obtain cinnamon bark.

The bard is harvested twice a year, just after each rainy season when moisture makes the bark peel easily. The cinnamon bark is obtained from stems, 1.2 to 5 cm in diameter.

Processing:

The cut shoots are collected, bundled dry tied for peeling, which is done with a small, round-edged knife. Cut shoots are longitudinal slit from end to end, in two halves.

Rolling

Peeled barks are placed one above the other, pressed and packed together. Length of the barks is reduced and piled in small enclosures. To prevent the barks from moisture and aid slight fermentation, they are covered with dried leaves.

Piping

The rolled cinnamon slips are bundled and taken to the piping yard. Further, they are kept on a horizontal stick supported on a stand. The outer skin of the slips is carefully scraped off with a curved knife. The final product is then graded as per the thickness and rolled to form pipes by accommodating them over the outer cover of pipes. After drying, they are packed for marketing.

Varieties of Cinnamon

There are majorly two varieties of Cinnamon – Cassia, and Ceylon. Cassia is considered a cheaper version of cinnamon which is brittle and more pungent in the aroma. However, Ceylon is a widely acclaimed version of the finest quality cinnamon which is thin and soft to break. It tastes mild sweet in taste. Cassia contains coumarin in large quantity which is blood thinner and causes health issued if consumed in larger quantity.

Where to buy cinnamon?

If you can identify the difference between cassia and Ceylon, then you can buy it from any general store.

However, if you can’t, then it is advisable to purchase Ceylon cinnamon from a trustworthy online store.

Thus, cinnamon travels a long way to complete its journey from spice plantation to our kitchen. Hope you liked this short guide about cinnamon.

5 Wholesome Recipes Loaded With Ceylon Cinnamon Health Benefits

The health benefits of cinnamon are countless. It helps to control type 2 Diabetes, lowers the cholesterol level in blood, removed bad breath and so on. The spice is magically loaded with antioxidants and contains anti-inflammatory properties.

However, this delicious spice is known for a tinge of bitter and sweet taste which makes it difficult for many people to incorporate into their daily diet. If you also feel the same, here we tell you some easy ways to add cinnamon to your diet.

Savor it with Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potato is known for containing different types of vitamins and nutrients, like magnesium, potassium, and fiber. They are widely considered a healthier alternative to regular potatoes. You can enhance their flavor as well as wholesomeness by adding several pinches of ground cinnamon while roasting them. They make a great breakfast to start your day.

Cinnamon Bread Pudding

Easy to prepare, cinnamon bread pudding contains Ceylon cinnamon health benefits as well as relish of pudding. Prepared from cubed cinnamon bread, eggs, milk, nutmeg, sugar, and cinnamon; you can savor this anytime you crave for something sweet.

Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Muffins packed with slices of apples and coated with cinnamon and sugar. Sounds savory? Isn’t it? They are almost as tasty as your granny’s apple pie, but the additional feature the health benefits of cinnamon powder which also give it a dash of aroma and flavor.

Apple Pie

Who will say no to apply pancakes or waffles in breakfast? A slice of apple pie after a fulfilling meal is what our palate demands. However, a guilt free way to enjoy this dessert to complement this dish with the wholesomeness of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Packed with spices, this apple pie or pancakes will make the best dessert for a person having a sweet tooth.

Fruit Salsa

Fruit salsa is an incredibly healthy snack, especially for those who are struggling to lose some weight. It is easy to make. Take fruits of your choice, like apples, kiwi, raspberries, and strawberries. Cut them into pieces and add a dash of ground cinnamon powder. You can also add a pinch of rock salt. Mix well, and your fruit salsa is ready. This recipe is loaded with antioxidants which cleanse your skin and prevent high blood pressure.

The best part of the recipes mentioned above is that they are easy to prepare. So, now you have no problem in adding cinnamon to your meals.

3 Amazing Healthy Drinks You Can Prepare from Cinnamon

Cinnamon, remarkable for its aroma and health benefits has been used for thousands of years. Apart from using it as a flavoring agent, cinnamon can also be used for healing, weight loss or lower the body sugar. The magical spice comes with numerous health benefits.

Here are some healthy and refreshing beverages recipes you can quickly prepare using a few ceylon cinnamon sticks.

Honey and Cinnamon Tea

This honey and cinnamon tea has been claimed to help in weight loss in a fast natural way. There are countless recipes for weight loss out there, and it is dicey whether they are effective or not. But, you can rest assured about honey and cinnamon tea as it uses only natural ingredients to get prepared. You just need a few cinnamon sticks, 1 cup hot water, and organic honey. Pour water over cinnamon and when the liquid gets cooled, add honey. Your tea is ready!

Cinnamon Coffee

If you prefer coffee to tea and enjoys sipping your hot coffee every morning, this recipe is for you. You can add cinnamon sticks before combining hot brewed coffee and sugar in the pot. Or, top your usual mug of coffee with a pinch of ground cinnamon. In either way, the primary purpose is to infuse the flavor of cinnamon to the coffee.

Cinnamon and Vanilla Milk

Even the name itself is sufficient to make our mouth water. Cinnamon if taken with milk is widely perceived as a good mixture for insomnia. So, if you also suffer from sleepless nights, you can consider taking cinnamon milk. Here, we tell you about refreshing drink prepared from cinnamon milk and flavor of vanilla. Place sugar, vanilla, milk and cinnamon sticks in a pan over low-medium heat. From time to time, keep stirring the milk and let it cook for 10 minutes. Set aside and let is cool for 10 minutes. Remove cinnamon sticks because till now flavor of cinnamon must have dissolved in the milk. Again cook for 4-5 minutes until hot. Pour the warm milk into a glass and relish.

Cinnamon is a versatile ingredient. You can try any of the recipes mentioned above. You can even add a few sticks of cinnamon or pinch of ground cinnamon to any hot and refreshing drink you like, for example, green tea with lemon, ginger tea or your favorite shake.

Why Real Ceylon Cinnamon is Good for Health?

Real Ceylon cinnamon is a product of Sri Lanka and it is more expensive than its other counterparts. The spice has been long known for its medicinal properties and various health benefits. Let’s take a look at its various benefits one by one.

Helps in Diabetes Treatment

Real Cinnamon is considered as an alternative treatment for diabetes. In one of the study cinnamon brought the insulin levels in diabetic rats to the normal levels. The spice is found to stimulate insulin-like activity and s found to reduce the insulin resistance in the body.

Fights Cancer

The cinnamon contains the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. It means that cinnamon supports the immune health. As it enhances the antioxidant enzyme activity, it may prevent or treat certain type of cancer.

It is especially good for the people who are looking dietary supplements that can help the cancer from growing.

Manages Blood Pressure

The cinnamon contains cinnamic acid, which has anti-inflammatory effects.  With this property it helps in the blood flow through the body with less strain on the heart. It is found that cinnamon supports cardiovascular function and contributes to health heart.

Prevents Alzheimer

Real cinnamon has also been found to improve the way the brain responds to the insulin. Its metabolic effect also makes Ceylon cinnamon is useful in neurological conditions and may help control high blood glucose levels in the brain

Other Cinnamon Products

Besides in the powder form the cinnamon has other many other products as well which are frequently used.

Cinnamon Toothpicks

They are very useful as they maintain a good dental hygiene. People are very conscious about the products they can use in their mouths. The fragment of cinnamon is the essential oil which is added when the cinnamon toothpicks are made.

This oil has powerful anti-microbial properties which finishes the bacteria. The cinnamon has its special fragrance which makes the mouth fresh as well. It is an excellent solution against the bad breadth. With the regular use of the toothpick, one can stop bad breadth coming from the mouth.

Some Advantages:

• Its regular use can help you get rid of the smoking habit

• It always keeps your mouth fresh and it contains the oil which cleans the teeth slowly

• Helps you reduce the habit of eating too much.

Thus cinnamon has many advantages and its products like cinnamon toothpick can be very useful for health as well.

5 Healthy Reasons: Take Real Ceylon Cinnamon Supplements

The best way to keep a body fit and healthy is by consuming natural things. The natural elements contain a lot of ingredients that benefits a body in perfect ways. A naturally developed thing is stated to be natural only. There are no ways to doubt that natural elements will affect a body in negative ways.

In the list of natural elements, one name is common ‘Ceylon Cinnamon,’ which is considered as rich in nutrients and healthy when added up in the diet.

People usually tend to stick knowing cinnamon in forms of sticks or powder, but Ceylon cinnamon supplements are also manufactured as a natural and healthy aid for people.

Cinnamon—The Natural Element

Cinnamon is a spice that is found in every home across the country. Its use is to add tremendous flavor in food recipes. With the fact that Ceylon cinnamon supplements are available at markets, it becomes necessary to take real Ceylon cinnamon supplements.

By taking real cinnamon supplements, it can provide significant health benefits. To get the right kind of cinnamon supplement is an addition to be healthy and rich.

What are the healthy reasons to take real cinnamon supplements? Let us get to know about it.

Improves Digestion

In traditional times, cinnamon was considered as one of the best elements for digestion aid. This belief is now back as taking the supplements can aid digestion problems. It is also believed the supplements help to improve the ability of the body to digest eatables like dairy products, fruit, and regular food. While buying Ceylon cinnamon supplements make sure it is manufactured with the real cinnamon ingredient.

Fights Bacterial Components

Cinnamon comprises of anti-microbial qualities that support immune system perfectly. It fights back the bacterial components that evolve from time in the body. In addition, it profoundly stops the growth of bacteria in the body. Just a bowl of supplements intake can benefit one’s health is best ways.

Initiates Good Blood Flow

Cinnamon’s effect on blood platelets is tremendous. Taking real cinnamon supplements can really help your body with proper blood flow with the proper functioning of body organs. To maintain proper flow of blood, it keeps preventing unwanted clumping of platelets.

Balance Blood Sugar Level

The real cinnamon has the power to keep a balance of sugar levels in the blood. It normalizes the sugar level profoundly by maintaining the sugar content flow in the blood. It removes the extra sugar contents and keeps the rest as per the requirement of the body.

Know More About Ceylon Cinnamon Supplements

We are all acquainted with cinnamon, the delightful and multipurpose spice that is often usually used in the course of the holiday season. It is auxiliary to various desserts, and it is voluntarily obtainable on the spice racks of most grocery provisions. Nonetheless cinnamon also has a spans old tradition as a natural medicine with numerous health benefits. In Indian medicine known as “Ayurveda,” it is castoff to upturn the body’s flow naturally. In Chinese medication, it is every so often prescribed for coldness as it has a heating effect on the body. Cinnamon has been cast off and can be helpful for colds, nausea, digestion as well as diarrhea.

There are even scriptural references to this old spice where it was cast off in the form of anointing oil. Greek and Roman philosophies used cinnamon to assuage digestive issues. An exciting historical event happened during the 1918 Spanish flu eruption that involved workers at a cinnamon factory that appeared to be resistant to emerging this deadly flu. Researches, as well as clinical studies, are ongoing to be directed to see how this spice might help protect in contrast to a diversity of viruses.

Balances Blood Sugar

Cinnamon has been revealed to help hang onto blood sugar levels stable. Individuals who have diabetes might advantage from this spice as of their blood sugar spikes that can cause severe health complications.

Anti-Inflammatory Advantages

Cinnamon may have advantageous effects on inflammation in the body. The vital component in cinnamon recognized as “cinnamaldehyde” helps to avoid blood platelet thickening that protects the heart. This anti-inflammatory outcome makes cinnamon a very heart vigorous spice to include into your diet. Cinnamon contains the mineral manganese, fiber, iron as well as calcium. Fiber is useful constipation or diarrhea. It might also be obliging to high cholesterol levels.

How to use Cinnamon?

You can make use of it as either a crushed spice or as a stick. The fragrant smell of cinnamon points toward that it is fresh. It is superior to use natural cinnamon as this would not be treated and would more likely have greater vitamin c content. You must store the cinnamon for not in excess of six months in a cool atmosphere.

Anti-Fungal and Anti-Bacterial

A number of studies have revealed that the oils in cinnamon hold anti-fungal as well as anti-bacterial qualities. A lot of people use cinnamon for circumstances such as yeast contaminations and head lice.

Top Five Ways to Consume Ceylon Cinnamon

From ancient times, Ceylon cinnamon has been known for its healing properties. This wonderful spice acts as a natural antibacterial agent in human body and is remarkable for the medicinal property it possesses. Either add a stick of it while brewing your tea or prepare rice pudding with a pinch of ceylon cinnamon powder, the spice will surely benefit your body.

Here are some of the ways by which you can consume this valuable spice-

Add a Small Stick of Cinnamon to your Morning Tea

Simply boil water and add a small stick of Ceylon cinnamon to it. Brew it for 2-3 minutes and strain it. If you wish, you can use a coffee maker to brew your cinnamon tea. You can also consume ceylon cinnamon by preparing the popular Kahwah tea of Kashmir that contains a number of herbs in addition to cinnamon and is famous for its highly beneficial properties.

Cinnamon Rice Pudding

You must have eaten rice pudding quite a lot of times in your life? But have you ever tasted cinnamon rice pudding? If not, must taste it. It is one of the most delicious versions of rice pudding on the earth. The remarkable thing about cinnamon rice pudding is the tinge of flavor which is contributed by the addition of cinnamon powder during preparation.

Add it to your Favorite Stew

Think about the aroma and the flavor a pinch of ceylon cinnamon powder will add to your favorite stew. Cinnamon is worldwide used in stews, especially in winter which helps to keep the body warm. Besides, it provides more texture to the stew.

Sprinkle on Fruits

Till now you haven’t ever tried fruits with cinnamon powder. Add some to give a unique flavor to your favorite fruit. You can also prepare fruit chat by sprinkling pinch of cinnamon powder on it. It tastes awesome!

Have your much loved Smoothie with Cinnamon Powder

Are you a smoothie lover? Then, you will love it even more if you add some cinnamon to it. It not only cuts off the sugar quantity but will also enhance the digestive qualities of this energy booster drink.

Top 4 Reasons to Use Cinnamon in Your Daily Diet

When thinking back towards childhood days, we used to see our grandmothers used to keep jars full of cinnamon powders and used in every food item. Today, as we again came to read about cinnamon being so popular, it then reminds of grandma’s kitchen and be proud that yes, we have consumed it earlier too. With that aspect, this blog is going to make people aware of the facts of using Ceylon cinnamon powders in daily diet regime.

Cinnamon—A Wonderful Ingredient for Daily Food

It was those frosty winter days that we used to consume true ceylon cinnamon either by sprinkling on food items or in the food recipes itself. It kept us warm and away from all infections and bacterial attacks. How fantastic!

Today, as we see, this generation is less aware of Ceylon cinnamon and its relative products. So, this reader piece will tell people about the easy usage of true cinnamon in their daily diet regime and benefits out of it.

Cinnamon—A Brief Intro

Cinnamon spells a fragrance in the food. It has been one of the most ancient made spices in ancient times and was consumed to stay healthy, fit and active. The warm, sweet taste of cinnamon quills is a delighting one. Earlier there were very limited supplies of cinnamon that traveled from Europe, was considered to be a rich and exclusive ingredient.

The Ceylon cinnamon powders were mostly used during winter days, as the reason is mentioned above. Later, as the benefits were known from Cinnamon, it got available in the markets and began to be used for making ointments and perfumes. In current time, cinnamon powders are available in the market and online stores for daily usage in food items.

Therefore, presenting top four reasons to use true cinnamon in your daily food making process and diet regime.

4 Reasons—Use Cinnamon in Everyday Food items

Here, are the solid reasons as to why use cinnamon powders in your daily food items—

• Longevity of age factors: If you start taking and adding some contents of cinnamon powder, it can help you in increasing your age factor that appears on facial features. Your skin would be stretched and glow. So, add at least one spoon of cinnamon powder when making food and keep it a regular practice. You would see the difference in skin.

• Diagnosing Indigestion problems: If you add a spoon of cinnamon powder in daily food items, it can end your acidity problems and will help in digesting heaviest of the meals taken anytime. Cinnamon supplement help in proper diagnosing indigestion problems efficiently.

• Vanishing pimples: Adding cinnamon in food items can assist in the vanishing of pimples. Girls, if you are thunder stormed with your pimples, then start adding cinnamon powder daily in your recipes get rid of obstructing pimples on your face.

• Weight Loss: Those people who are looking for easy and affordable ways of losing weight, adding cinnamon powders is one of the tricks for easy weight loss. You can also drink honey with some content of cinnamon powder in the morning, and you can see the results gradually in an efficient way.

Get the Hang of the Benefits of Digital Dental Sensors

Following the recent developments in technology, good dentists have embraced advanced tools as an integral part of their practice. Such tools include but are not limited to patient monitors, oral cameras, digital dental sensors, and other related tools. A dentist runs the gamut of extensive range of activities related to their practices such as tooth whitening, cavity filling, dentures, braces, and dental cosmetic surgeries. Also, dentists who are engaged into dental X-rays may wield digital version over film option, regardless of the fact that digital may be a costly investment and might be given a second thought before procuring it.

Role of Modern Technology Benefitting Dentists

However, research suggests that integrating these tools into their dental practices take it up a notch by at least 15% that would offset the investment in a span of few years. Digital X-rays employ sensitive sensors that provide a more accurate view of the tooth and oral condition that will stand the dentist in the right capacity to take a hang of the condition and map the treatment out in the light of it. This will pave the way for enhanced productivity and the stable client-base will be the result of it. Modern technology has been instrumental in the expansion of horizon of efficient services offered by dentists. Additionally, these digital dental sensors tools offer ease of use and do not pose any hassle related to effective management of these tools.

Time-saving Form of Treatment

The traditional X-ray film consumes a great deal of time in the development of resultant X-ray. As opposed to it, a digital X-ray operates at swift speed and yields the results within a span of minutes. This considerable amount of time saved can be utilized for the treatment of another patient.

In the end, it is worth concluding that with such great benefits of digital dental sensors, it is worth bearing in mind that a person involved into dental practice should employ these tools to take the productivity a notch further.

Ins-and-Outs of Canker Sores

The canker sores set its roots into your mouth and are characterized by excruciating pain that aggravates as the time passes by, if not addressed at latest stage. In medical parlance, canker sores are called aphthous ulcers. A canker sore becomes apparent with yellow or white color and is surrounded by an inflamed reddened area but it does not turn malignant. It affects a person regardless of the age bracket they fall under. Even a kid in elementary school is vulnerable to it.

Development of Canker Sores

The canker sores crop up on the inside of the cheek, on tongue, on palate, on the inside of the lips, or at the bottom of the gums. Some researchers have also established that canker sores passes down the generations in the families and the hereditary aspect is also attached to it. In many instances, it has been observed that people, intolerant to gluten, develop canker sores until they give up on eating gluten. Additionally, celiac disease is also attributed to the development of canker sores since it has its roots set in genes and passes on in the genes. Also, it could be the possibility that it remains latent in the genes and does not take shape yet or ever.

Gluten and Canker Sores

The findings of some experts also hold hint to the fact that it is directly associated with the immune system of the body. This could also be related to celiac disease since gluten flattens the villi in the small intestine which does not sustain the absorption of nutrients and the brunt on immune system ensues. As a result, nutritional deficiencies also play a critical role in the development of canker cores.

Healthy Diet to Keep Canker Sores at Bay

In addition, even if a person is not gluten intolerant, a bad diet could also pave the way for the development of canker sores. Some foods do not meet the required dietary since they fall behind on essential phytonutrients, mineral, and vitamins that could foster the growth of canker sores. Generally, deficiency of folic acid and iron triggers the development of canker sores.