Cinnamon

Sri Lanka, Maldives, Vietnam

Cinnamon is the sweetly scented inner bark of the cinnamon tree. Cinnamon bark is manually rolled into light reddish brown coils - called quills - that have a warm, spicy, and sweet flavor. Cinnamon is available in either stick or powder form. While the sticks can be stored longer, the ground powder has a stronger flavor. If possible, smell the cinnamon to make sure that it has a sweet smell, a characteristic reflecting that it is fresh.

Although available throughout the year, the fragrant, sweet and warm taste of cinnamon is a perfect spice to use during the winter months. Cinnamon is used mainly in desserts and as a garnish on hot beverages but can also lend a sweet note to meat and vegetables dishes.