Ceylon Cinnamon Sticks - Canehl, the Seductive Scent
The aroma of Ceylon cinnamon sticks is seductive. Everyone knows that wonderful fragrance cinnamon exudes. Its pleasant sweetness, woody aroma, delicate yet intense, immediately brings to mind Christmas, deliciously fragrant cookies, and mulled wine. It warms the heart and is a typical Christmas spice in Europe. However, it is used worldwide throughout the year, not just for baking.
Ceylon Cinnamon Sticks, a Better Cinnamon?
Among connoisseurs, Ceylon cinnamon is considered the best cinnamon for culinary use. But why is that? What is the difference between Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon? There have been occasional warnings in the press about cinnamon stars containing too much coumarin. But what is coumarin? Coumarin is a natural plant compound found in cinnamon and tonka beans. On one hand, it contributes to flavor, but in high concentrations, it can cause health issues. This is where the difference between cinnamon varieties lies. Ceylon cinnamon contains less coumarin, resulting in a milder, less bitter taste compared to Cassia cinnamon.
Quality Characteristics of Ceylon Cinnamon Sticks
You can identify Ceylon cinnamon sticks by their paper-thin bark pieces rolled together. The thinner the individual pieces of bark, the higher the quality. These quality characteristics are classified using the Ekelle Table, with E00000 indicating the highest quality, where the bark pieces are below 0.2mm thick. Orlandosidee offers you the best available Canehlstangen on the market, meeting these quality standards. In contrast, Cassia cinnamon sticks consist of a single piece of bark.
You can buy Ceylon cinnamon sticks online at the spice shop under various names: Canehl Stangen, Zimtrinde, or Echter Zimt (True Cinnamon).
Ceylon cinnamon harmonizes well with the following spices: Cloves, Allspice Grains, Nutmeg, Vanilla, Coriander, Mace, Star Anise, Szechuan Pepper, Cardamom, Ginger, Fennel.
Culinary Uses of Ceylon Cinnamon Sticks
In modern cuisine, Ceylon cinnamon sticks are used to prepare fruit desserts and savory meat dishes. They are particularly popular in oriental and Asian cuisine, where they are used in a variety of dishes.
In Chinese cuisine, cinnamon is used to spice up many dishes. The well-known Chinese Five-Spice Blend features cinnamon as a key ingredient. This spice blend is widely used in Chinese cooking, and cinnamon is also used in traditional regional cooking techniques.
- Cooking in seasoning broth
- Red braising
In Thailand, cinnamon sticks are commonly used in casseroles and to prepare traditional broths.
Cassia cinnamon is more aromatic due to its higher coumarin content. However, coumarin is not considered entirely safe for consumption, especially for young children. Ceylon cinnamon contains only small amounts of coumarin and is considered healthier and of higher quality.
Where Do Ceylon Cinnamon Sticks Come From?
These cinnamon sticks originate from Ceylon. The botanical name is Cinnamomum Zeylanicum, and they are grown in Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon). Cinnamon sticks are obtained from the inner bark of twigs and shoots of the cinnamon tree. The cinnamon tree is an evergreen tree from the Lauraceae family. It can reach a height of up to 15 meters and requires a humid tropical climate and loose soil.
Cinnamon in History
Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices in the world and has its origins in Ceylon. In the past, noblemen used cinnamon not only as a spice but also as a beauty remedy and medicine for coughs, runny noses, and various heart problems.
It is an ancient and well-known spice. It has been imported from China since the 3rd millennium BC. It was mentioned as incense in the Old Testament, and the Roman Empire imported it on a large scale. However, it was not commonly used as a spice for food at that time. Cinnamon was mainly used to flavor wine. It wasn't until the Middle Ages that cinnamon began to be used in food preparation. Today, it is one of the most widely consumed spices in the world, especially in regions where it is grown.
Storage
Like all spices, cinnamon sticks should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, protected from sunlight. An ideal temperature is around 15 °C. Avoid storing them near heat sources, as warmth and moisture can cause spoilage.
