Cinnamon leaves – dried

Description

The cinnamon tree is known for its thick aromatic bark however the lesser known cinnamon leaves are also sought for their culinary use.

In South Asian and West Indian cooking the leaves are usually added whole to curries, rice dishes and stews to infuse their delicate clove and cinnamon flavour. The leaves are removed at the end of cooking before eating.

The cinnamon leaves are also mixed with hot water to make herbal tea.

As well as their culinary use, the cinnamon leaves are highly regarded for their health benefits. The cinnamon oil, found in the leaves, is known for its stimulating and warming effects on the body which is why the leaves are distilled into an oil for use in aromatherapy and natural medicine. Cinnamon is considered one of the 50 fundamental herbs in Chinese medicine.

The oil is also sought for its powerful aroma and used in perfume.

The naturally occurring oil in the leaves is rich in phytonutrients and contains eugenol which displays antiseptic and analgesic properties that may also contribute to cinnamon’s soothing effect. It also has high concentrations of cinnamaldehyde, which has been shown to have anti fungal and antibacterial properties.

The cinnamon tree is a highly versatile plant with many uses – at one time it was considered more valuable than gold.

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Fresh cinnamon leaves can be sourced upon request when in season – If you are interested please contact us. (Subject to a minimum spend of £100)