Cinnamon Tidbits

Cinnamon: Ten Fun Facts

The fragrant spice has been used for far more than baking over the years (think embalming).

By Chloe Thompson
WebMD the Magazine - Feature

Reviewed by Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD

 

Cinnamon comes from:Cinnamon sticks, also called "quills," are the dried bark of an evergreen tree.
Types of cinnamon:There are two main types of cinnamon: Cassia (Chinese) and Ceylon, the sweeter variety.

World's largest producer of cinnamon:Sri Lanka.

Strangest use of cinnamon:Cinnamon was used as an embalming agent in ancient Egypt.
Saddest use of cinnamon:To show his remorse for killing his wife, Roman Emperor Nero ordered that a year's supply of cinnamon be burned at her funeral.
The price of cinnamon:In Roman times, cinnamon was very valuable, perhaps up to more than 15 times more costly than silver.
Cinnamon wars:The high demand for cinnamon started a war in the 17th century between the Dutch and the Portuguese over the island of Ceylon -- where much of the pungent spice is grown.
Nutritional benefits of cinnamon:One teaspoon of ground cinnamon contains 1.4 grams of fiber. The spice is also a good source of calcium and iron.
More nutritional benefits of cinnamon:According to preliminary research, up to a teaspoon of cinnamon with food can reduce blood sugar levels.
Cinnamon bug spray:Cinnamon and other strong-smelling spices have been used to repel ants.