Cinnamon- القرفه
By: Anonymous

About

Cinnamon is a spice which comes from the bark of the cinnamon tree. It can be used in stick form or ground into a powder of varying grades. Cinnamon is widely used to flavor beverages such as milk, as well as baked goods. This spice is also a key ingredient in a number of spice blends.
Native to Sri Lanka, ground cinnamon may be the most used baking spice. Cinnamon sticks are used to flavor biryanis, meat dishes, and pulaous. The sticks are removed prior to serving. Cinnamon has a woodsy and sweet flavor.
In Mexico it is commonly used in the production of chocolate. In the Western Hemisphere cinnamon is usually used in sweet dishes (and mixed with sugar for a topping for apples or yogurt), and in the Eastern it is used mostly for savory chicken or lamb dishes.

Information
Other names: ताज, দারচিনি Darchini, नी  దాల్చిన చెక్క, Dalchini, दालचीनी, Taj
Translations: Kanēlis, Cinamonas, Scorţişoară, Cimet, Quế, Cynamon, Kaneel, दालचीनी, Canela, Корица, Κανέλα, قرفة, 계피, Skořice, Цимет, Kanela, 肉桂, Canela, Cimet, Škorica, Cannella, קינמון, Kanel, Kayu manis, シナモン, Cannelle, Zimt, Kanel, Kanel, Canela, Кориця, Kaneli, Канела


Physical Description
Cinnamon is the dried inner bark of an evergreen tree
Colors: light to dark brown


Tasting Notes
Flavors: sweet
Mouthfeel: Warm, Earthy
Food complements: Pastries
Wine complements: Pinot noir, Pomerol, Shiraz, Merlot
Beverage complements: Milk, Coffee
Substitutes: Ground cinnamon, Cinnamon extract, Cassia


Selecting and Buying
Seasonality: january, february, march, april, may, june, july, august, september, opctober, november, december
Peak: may, june, july, august, september, opctober
Choosing: If possible, smell the cinnamon to make sure it still has a strong sweet smell. This is an indication that the cinnamon is still fresh.
Buying: Cinnamon is available in stick or powder form.


Preparation and Use
Cinnamon is used in baking and cooking to add flavor and aroma


Conserving and Storing
Cinnamon barks will stay fresh for a year if stored in a tightly sealed glass container in a cool, dark place or inside the fridge. Ground cinnamon will keep for about six months


Social/Political
During the 11th century, spices like the cinnamon were used in place or currency
History: The cinnamon has a rich history and is considered one of the oldest spices known. It was mentioned in the Bible and was imported to Egypt as early as 2000BC.