Spices of the Season: Cinnamon

Cinnamon, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, is native to Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) and is the inner bark of a tropical evergreen tree. It's distinctive flavor is quite popular with all ages. We add cinnamon to our acorn squash and bake it in the oven and the whole crew is pleased. But add cinnamon to apple pie or cookies and everyone is clamoring for more. One of the favorite teas in the tea room is Harney and Son's Hot Cinnamon Spice a black tea and cinnamon combination that tastes just like cinnamon red hot candies. While cinnamon tastes good in baking and makes the house smell lovely when simmering either in water or cider, cinnamon has been getting much publicity recently for its medicinal use. A small study done in 2003 with 60 Type 2 diabetics indicated that as little as 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon a day can lower blood glucose levels, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol! Let your food be your medicine.
For a yummy Cinnamon Chip Scone Recipe, visit this prior post.