When people talk about cinnamon, they are referring to a spice that is obtained by harvesting, drying, and fermenting the bark of trees in the laurel family.
What is Chinese cinnamon? When people talk about cinnamon, they are referring to a spice that is obtained by harvesting, drying, and fermenting the bark of trees in the laurel family. However, several tree species can produce this bark, and the resulting products vary in fragrance and chemical composition. The cassia tree is native to China. However, it also exists in other East Asian countries. How is Chinese cinnamon used? Chinese cinnamon can add just the right amount of spicy sweetness to a dish. It is an important ingredient in the preparation of savory and sweet Chinese dishes. In fact, while cinnamon is used more for baking and desserts in Western culinary cultures, it is much more common in savory cooking when it comes to Asian cooking. It may be the first recorded spice used in Chinese cooking. In ancient China, it was valued primarily for its ability to season and preserve jerky. Chinese cinnamon is also one of the main ingredients in Five Spice Powder, which enhances many Chinese dishes with its perfectly balanced flavors. Chinese cinnamon is a great addition to stews, stir-fries, and stews. Dropping a cinnamon stick provides a hint of sweetness that can balance out other salty ingredients, creating a rich flavor and aroma. What about cinnamon as a health food? Today, you can find articles touting the health benefits of cinnamon on almost any wellness website. Recent research has shown its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, among other purported uses. While we are not nutritionists or doctors, it is interesting to note that Cinnamon has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. With its powerful yang, or warm attributes, it has served as a treatment for a variety of ailments, from nausea to joint pain.