Can I grow a cinnamon tree?
Cinnamon is a smaller, semi-tropical tree that can be easily grown as a wonderful indoor container plant or outdoors as a large spice tree that will just keep giving. Cinnamon is harvested from the bark of the branches at least 2 years old.
Do cinnamon trees smell like cinnamon?
The tree bears clusters of small star-shaped flowers in the spring, becoming small, dark purple fruit. The fruit actually smells like cinnamon, but the spice is actually made from the bark of the tree.
Is cinnamon tree fruit edible?
These little fruit of the cinnamon tree are very sweet and warm. Their pointy end makes them a perfect substitute for cloves studded in orange to scent closets and drawers, and they are delicious brewed as tea.
Is cinnamon tree bark?
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), also called Ceylon cinnamon, is a bushy evergreen tree of the laurel family (Lauraceae) and the spice derived from its bark. The spice consists of the dried inner bark and has a delicately fragrant aroma and a warm sweet flavor.
Can you grow cinnamon at home?
Cinnamon is well known for its culinary uses, yet it is hardly ever grown in ordinary home settings. It’s easy to grow, however. As long as the soil is kept slightly dry, a potted cinnamon plant can thrive for years without special care. (However, mature leaves will remain light green if plants are kept in high light.)
What can you do with cinnamon tree leaves?
They are used to flavor stews, pilafs, and curries, and dried Cinnamon leaves can often be substituted for bay leaves in many recipes. In Jamaica, Cinnamon leaves are traditionally used to flavor cornmeal porridge and jerk marinades. Cinnamon leaves are also used as a flavoring agent for baked goods and desserts.
Can I grow a cinnamon tree indoors?
Yes, you can grow a cinnamon tree indoors if you provide a pot with good drain holes and adequate light. The ideal soil should be a little acidic.
How do you harvest a cinnamon tree?
To harvest it, you’ll need to cut down a section of the cinnamon tree and remove the outermost layer of bark. Use a paint scraper to scrape off the cinnamon layer in sheets, and then let the cinnamon dry in a warm environment. You can either grind the cinnamon into a powder or use it in its curled-up form.
Is cinnamon leaf edible?
They are used to flavor stews, pilafs, and curries, and dried Cinnamon leaves can often be substituted for bay leaves in many recipes. Cinnamon leaves are also used as a flavoring agent for baked goods and desserts. In addition to cooking, the leaves are commonly boiled and made into an herbal tea.