Fat (Per 100 gr)
1.2 g
Calories (Per 100 gr)
247 Kcal
Carbs (Per 100 gr)
81 g
Chol (Per 100 gr)
0 mg
What is Cinnamon (Darchin)?
Cinnamon, a type of fragrant spice, is used in some food dishes. It is one of the well-smelled herbal medicines. The tree which mostly grows in Sri Lanka, India, and China are among epipetalous - dicotyledonous plants and it is an evergreen plant. Darchin is originated from Sri Lanka and Ceylon cinnamon is the best kind. The plant has yellowish-white and ordered flowers; It is also well-known because of its brown-colored skin.
Darchin small tree is a tree of 5-7m high from all parts of which a fragrant odor is smelling. Flowers of this spice pop up between the months of January till early March. It has black-green leaves with white flowers. In the middle ages, This spice was useful for the treatment of cough, arthritis, and sore throat.
History of Cinnamon
It is widely and geographically different in species and labels. It was first consumed in ancient Egypt around 2000 years B.C. what is known after Chinese cinnamon in history is in fact a type of Darchin which was originally grown in China in a 20-30m high tree from the bark of which it was used. Parts of Torah refer to Moses consuming it as food and good fragrance. Herodotus writings reflect cinnamon as an “invaluable spice”. This spice entered Europe through two ports of Alexandria in Egypt by Portuguese merchants in the 15th and 16th centuries B.C.
Consumption
Darchin or sweet food is used as a spice for food and pastries in most countries. In Iran, it is largely used in confectioneries and shops in the shape of extracts, essence, and powder. The powder is used for ornamenting yellow sweetened cooked rice (Shol-e-Zard) and Halim, particularly as votive foods. Its flavoring and essential oils often end up in cinnamon.
Shole Zard is an Iranian sweet dessert that contains most Iranian Spices and nuts such as, Saffron, Rosewater, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Pistachio. of course the main material is rice.
Consumption Rate
A number of scholars recommend that 2-4 grams of Darchin powder be used daily. Some others say this much use shall be 1-6 grams; however, be careful that overuse of this spice can be poisonous.
Cinnamon Plantation, Cultivation, and Harvest
It is an evergreen tree having oval-shaped leaves and rough bark. Darchin is a hardy plant, suitable for a wide variety of climatic conditions. It grows at an altitude of about 1000m and a yearly rainfall of 200-250 cm is suitable for its cultivation. It needs a hot and humid climate and an average temperature of 27 degrees of centigrade are ideal for its cultivation from September to November. When harvesting, its leaves, and bark are the main parts to be used. When it grows to become a 2-year-old plant, it is ready for harvesting. Sri Lanka produces much of the world’s Ceylon cinnamon.
When a tree is around two years old, cultivators cut back the plant and cover it with soil. This technique causes it to grow like a bush with new shoots emerging out of sides by the next year. It is these shoots that are making the Darchin. Once cut, the shoots are stripped of their bark and the peels are set out to dry in the sun. As this happens, the bark naturally curls into sticks.
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1
Planting
June, July
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2
Harvesting
September, October, November
Types of Cinnamon
Verum Cinnamon
Genuine cinnamon or Ceylon type inside bark of which, soft and delicate, is used.
Aromaticum Cinnamon
Chinese type bark of which is thin but rough, but it produces fragrance and flavor spicier than other kinds.
Burmannii Cinnamon
Indonesian type and loureiroi or Vietnamese cinnamon
Medicinal Properties
The anti-Alzheimer cinnamon composition contains two extraordinary mixtures that protect the brain. Cinnamic aldehyde and epicatechin stop harmful protein collection which causes Alzheimer's to appear. Darchin prevents decayed wisdom because of Tau protein.
Results of other studies show that this type of spice bars from diabetes, not to mention Alzheimer prevention. Good to know that about 2 percent of people suffering from diabetes type 2 are exposed to Alzheimer's. Cinnamon and honey, if mixed, can make weight loss. This kind of food is laden with minerals including magnesium, Ferrum, and calcium required for the body. A diet full of cinnamon can decrease the negative effects of greasy foods. It also is using as cosmetics for natural brown hair color. Some important health benefits of the plant are:
- This spice is full of antioxidants
- It may cut the risk of heart disease or stroke
- It has full of anti-inflammatory properties.
- Also, this fabulous spice has a powerful anti-diabetic effect and lowers blood sugar levels.
- Cinnamon spice is one of the most important ingredients in cooking, particularly in India.