From the earliest herbal writings almost 5000 years ago, cinnamon has imparted its exotic flavor to modern civilization. The two principal species of cinnamon, verum and aromaticum, were treasured for enhancing food as well as for a host of important health applications. This herb was more precious than gold, and spice traders zealously guarded their secret spice roads to Burma and Ceylon, the ancient sources of cinnamon. The explorations of di Gama and Columbus were inspired by the hope of finding new pathways to this herb, and it is fair to say that wars have been fought – and new continents discovered – all to feed the world’s hunger for this spice. |
