This warm, aromatic spice was part of the ritual and ceremony in all corners of the world.But in Europe, especially cinnamon - a symbol of Christmas.
1. Cinnamon is obtained from a small evergreen tree (cinnamomum zeylanicum), which grows in the Asian tropics.Spice made from tree bark which was collected during the rainy season from May to October, when the bark of the tree is easy to peel.
2. This is one of the earliest ancient spice, which learned people.It is mentioned in writings in 2800 BCand in the Old Testament (Moses was instructed to use sweet cinnamon in a holy anointing oil.), and the ancient Egyptians were added to a mixture of cinnamon for embalming because it has antibacterial properties.
3. Romans considered cinnamon sacred spice and the emperor Nero burnt ready supply of cinnamon at the funeral of his wife, as he had to appease the gods after he killed her.The manuscripts of the time show that the atonement cost him dearly: 350 grams of cinnamon was equal to the price of 5 kg of silver.
4. Cinnamon remained a valuable commodity in the Middle Ages.From cinnamon forests of East Arab traders brought it.It is so appreciated that when the Portuguese went in search of a sea route to India in 1400h years, they were looking for "Christians and spices."
5. In 1536, Portuguese explorers discovered dense cinnamon forests on the shores of the islands of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and occupied the island and took possession of the cinnamon trade, earning her a fortune.The Dutch also wanted to select a share and a century later retook the cinnamon island.The British followed them in 1776, although by then the cinnamon trees planted in many other places, and ended the monopoly of Ceylon.
6. Today, cinnamon is used worldwide in sweet and savory dishes.Mexicans add it to coffee and chocolate in Spain, with cinnamon stick sometimes served gin and tonic, and a pinch of cinnamon is used in rice porridge arroz con leche.In the Middle East it is used instead of black pepper as seasoning for meat, when the French were added in her shortbread Christmas cookies.
7. Cinnamon goes well with other spices, such as cardamom, coriander seeds, zira, cloves, pepper, bay leaf and mace.In India, it is a part of "garam masala" or "blend of warm spices."Chinese combine it with pepper, star anise, fennel seeds and cloves, and in Syria it is sifted with paprika, coriander, cloves and zira and called this mixture "baharatom", which is used with lamb.
8. It is also famous for its medicinal properties.Chinese traders herbs for centuries prescribe cinnamon from bloating and to improve digestion.With her make home remedies for diarrhea and morning sickness.
9. Recent studies have shown that cinnamon can prevent diabetes, and American scientists believe that it improves the body's ability to respond to insulin and normalize blood sugar.It also improves blood circulation.In addition, it is believed that the scent of cinnamon stimulates the brain.
10. To spice not exhausted too quickly, store it in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry, dark place - it can be kept for several months.Check whether it is fresh, you can only nose - sweet, woody, soothing scent of Christmas means that it is all fresh.
Articles Source: liveinternet.ru/showjournal
