Cinnamon

Cinnamon is the dried inner bark of shoots from Cinnamonum zeyulanicum, an evergreen tree, native to Sri Lanka, that can grow to 50 feet in the wild. It's the spice that provoked Columbus's search for the Spice Islands, which landed him instead in America.

Cassia cinnamon, from trees related to the Sri Lankan tree, is exported from China and less expensive. But it has less flavor.

True cinnamon can be found in Latin American and specialty stores.

Like coffee, spices will keep their flavor only over a short period. They should be bought in small quantities and stored in a dark place.

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