the cinammon mystery

Otis is learning about...

Cinammon – Cinnamomum verum

Laurus cassia (Persea cassia, Cinnamomum cassia), cinnamon. Joseph Jacob Plenck , Icones Plantarum Medicinal, Vol. 4, 1791. © Board of Trustees RBG Kew

Its origins were cloaked in mystery and all kinds of tall tales were spread to keep people from finding out the truth about cinammon, such as it being grown on top of a mountain guarded by ferocious birds who made nests out of the cinnamon sticks.

The only way to get to it was by tempting the birds with hunks of rotting meat which they would take back to their nest.  The nest of cinnamon would collapse under the weight and the sticks would fall to the ground allowing the intrepid traders to grab them before they were attacked.  Of course, people eventually found out where it really grew – in Indonesia and Sri Lanka.

Actually, most of what we buy today thinking it’s cinnamon is really a different but related plant called cassia. It looks and tastes similar – if a bit harsher – but is much cheaper than true cinnamon.

At Kew, we help verify plant material being sold is actually what it claims to be, especially if it’s being sold for medicinal use.  If you buy cassia thinking it is cinnamon your mulled cider might not taste quite as spicy, but it won’t do you any harm.  Other plant imposters are not quite so harmless (see Star Anise).

SOURCE:  https://museumcrush.org/the-royal-botanic-gardens-guide-to-the-worlds-top-ten-spices/