What is Cinnamomum verum and where does it originate?
Cinnamomum verum originates from Sri Lanka and is known as true cinnamon or Ceylon cinnamon. This species produces thin layers of bark that curl into delicate rolls called quills.
Questions about Cinnamon
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When did Emperor Nero burn an entire year's supply of cinnamon at a funeral?
Emperor Nero burned an entire year's supply of cinnamon at his wife Poppaea Sabina's funeral in AD 65. This event occurred during the Roman Empire when cassia cost up to 1,500 denarii per pound.
Which countries produced 98 percent of all cinnamon in 2023?
Four countries accounted for 98 percent of all cinnamon produced in 2023 with China leading output at 39 percent. Vietnam, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka followed behind China in export numbers.
How much coumarin can Cassia varieties contain compared to Ceylon cinnamon?
Cassia can contain over 1 milligram of coumarin per gram of spice while True Ceylon cinnamon contains trace amounts. Some market samples showed levels as high as 3462 mg/kg due to contamination.
What happened to apple sauce brands regarding lead contamination in March 2024?
Lead adulteration triggered a voluntary recall by the FDA in March 2024 involving six brands of apple sauce. These products contained extreme lead contamination linked to Ecuadorian suppliers.