Best known for its unmistakable flavor, cinnamon is a spice that
is derived from the bark of several trees in the genus
Cinnamomum. Cinnamon trees were first cultivated in Sri Lanka;
today, they are native throughout Southeast Asia. The trees
thrive in tropical countries, such as Mexico. Cinnamon trees,
which can grow to heights of 30 feet, are harvested after three
years. The trees grow for the first two years. Then, they are
pruned in the third year before the tree’s shoots are stripped
on the thin, inner bark, the part of the tree that contains
cinnamon. When cultivated, cinnamon is peeled into sticks;
however, it is often sold in ground form. Cinnamon’s primary use
is as a sweet and savory food additive. Its history as a spice
dates back to 2000 BC; cinnamon is even mentioned in the Bible.
For many years, cinnamon was a highly sought after spice often
used only by the upper class. It was even used as a gift for
ancient monarchs and gods. Only in time did middle-class
citizens begin to use cinnamon, consid