If there is a list of trees that is iconic to Sri Lanka, the cinnamon tree will be at the very top of the list. The fame comes from its versatility. Cinnamon leaf oil is one of the products that is made from the cinnamon tree.
Sri Lankan Cinnamon
Cinnamomum verum is the scientific name of the Sri Lankan cinnamon tree. Out of all cinnamon varieties in the world, the name “true cinnamon” belongs to Sri Lankan cinnamon. Countries such as China and Indonesia have a cinnamon variety called cassia. Even though China and Indonesia provide nearly 70% of the world’s supply of cinnamon, Sri Lankan cinnamon has its own place in the culinary world.
Sri Lankan cinnamon owns an 8% market share in the world cinnamon market. Rather than the quantity, Sri Lanka focuses on the quality of the cinnamon, which we export. So the next time when you are tasting a cinnamon-based dish in a Michelin star restaurant, there is a higher chance that cinnamon has come from Sri Lanka. And we, spicehub is also a contributor to that 8%.
Cinnamon tree
The cinnamon tree is a medium-sized tree, which will grow in any warm climatic area in Sri Lanka. But the conditions in the down south region makes high-quality cinnamon. That is the reason we chose down south as our source of cinnamon.
The leaves and bark contain Cinnamaldehyde and Eugenol. They are the chemicals that do the magic. These chemicals lead us to the iconic aroma and taste.
The cinnamon sticks are a product of the tree bark. Now let’s focus on the cinnamon leaf.
Cinnamon leaf
A cinnamon leaf is an oval-shaped leaf that has a length of about 15 centimeters. The color of the leaf varies from light green to green and has a nice polished look. The leaf also has a light aroma because the chemicals are present in the leaf also. It is not a secret that Sri Lankans love the scent of cinnamon leaves.
This lovely cinnamon leaf is the source of cinnamon leaf oil. It is not a complicated process, but workers take extra care at every step of the process. That is how Sri Lankan cinnamon products maintain their quality.
Cinnamon leaf oil production
Production starts by harvesting the cinnamon leaves. The workers cut down two or three years old trees to harvest their bark and leaves. At the same time, they are focusing on not wasting any part of the tree. Harvested fresh leaves are not suitable for the task. It takes a long time to complete the distillation process. And the results are not up to the standards. Therefore, they must be dried first to be processed. Manufacturers use the steam distillation method to extract the oil.
Superheated steam is passed through the dried leaves. And then the steam is condensed using cold water. After that water and the oil can be found as separate layers in the final tank. The oil is separated from that tank. A light yellow color oil is the result of the process.
Uses of cinnamon leaf oil
- One of the main uses is as a flavoring agent. Products such as cinnamon candy, and chewing gum uses cinnamon oil as an ingredient in their flavoring agents. Also, cinnamon-flavored tea, wine, and other foods contain cinnamon oil. It is no use to add these oils to foods when they are very hot. Because it may destroy the anti-oxidants that are present in the oil.
- The scent released by the cinnamon oil is very mild and soothing. Therefore, it is a very popular oil to use in aroma therapy. The aroma of cinnamon reduces stress and exhaustion. It is a huge relief for people who suffer from depression. Add 2,3 drops of cinnamon leaf oil to the aroma diffuser and let it do its magic. Convert your home into a spa with only these 2,3 drops.
- Cinnamon has many medicinal uses to it as well. Especially for diseases like diabetes, since it helps to lower the blood sugar levels by acting similar to insulin and helps insulin to do its own job. If you are suffering from these diseases, look no further your remedy is right here.
These are only a few of the uses and advantages of cinnamon leaf oil. Spicehub is ready to provide what you want when you want. You can purchase our products by clicking here.
Leave a comment, or contact us to clarify any doubts you are having. We are more than happy to help you out.
Itís hard to find knowledgeable people for this subject, but you seem like you know what youíre talking about! Thanks
Itís difficult to find experienced people for this topic, but you seem like you know what youíre talking about! Thanks