Frontier Co-op Organic Ceylon Cinnamon: Unveiling the Health Benefits of True Cinnamon
Frontier Co-op specializes in providing consumers with high-quality, organic spices, and one of their standout offerings is the Organic Ceylon Cinnamon. Known for its authentic, sweet, and subtle flavor profile, Ceylon cinnamon is often referred to as "true cinnamon" and is distinguished from the more common cassia cinnamon. This variety, sourced from the bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree, is associated with a range of culinary and potential health benefits.
As a company committed to sustainable and ethical sourcing, Frontier Co-op's Organic Ceylon Cinnamon is not only organic but also Fair Trade Certified. This ensures that the cinnamon is grown and harvested under stringent environmental standards while providing fair compensation to farmers. The company extends its vision of social responsibility and environmental stewardship through its range of spices, with organic Ceylon cinnamon standing as a prime example.
The cinnamon itself is versatile in use, ideal for enhancing the flavor of baked goods like cookies and cakes (how long do cakes last?), as well as savory dishes that benefit from its warm essence. Its mild and sweet characteristics make it a suitable alternative for those who prefer a less intense cinnamon experience. Frontier Co-op's commitment to organic and fair trade practices, combined with the unique qualities of Ceylon cinnamon, offers consumers a spice that is both ethically sourced and culinarily desirable.
Understanding Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a well-known spice utilized globally, but its types and origins are worth exploring to appreciate its culinary and historical significance.
Cinnamomum Verum vs. Cassia Cinnamon
Cinnamomum verum, commonly referred to as Ceylon cinnamon or true cinnamon, is distinct from the more prevalent Cassia cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon is prized for its mild and sweet flavor, making it ideal for refined baked goods and desserts. In contrast, Cassia cinnamon, often found in supermarkets, has a stronger and sharper taste and is higher in coumarin, which may be undesirable in large amounts.
True Cinnamon: Cinnamomum verum, milder taste, sourced from the bark of an evergreen tree.
Cassia Cinnamon: Commonly available, stronger flavor, and contains higher levels of coumarin.
Historical Context and Origin
Cinnamon has a rich history that spans thousands of years and has been a significant commodity in global trade. Originating from Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon), Ceylon cinnamon or Cinnamomum verum has been exported since antiquity. Used in ancient Egypt for embalming and as a perfume in Biblical times, this spice played lead roles in the spice trade that shaped empires and trade routes.
Historical Uses:
Embalming in Egypt
Perfume in the biblical era
Valuable trade commodity
Botanical Profile
Ceylon cinnamon comes from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree, which is a small evergreen native to Sri Lanka. Upon harvesting, the bark is extracted and dried, which causes it to curl into rolls known as cinnamon sticks. These sticks can then be ground into powder for culinary uses. Its delicate flavor is less intense than Cassia, which comes from different species of the same genus and is primarily grown in China and Indonesia.
Botanical Details:
Plant Type: Evergreen tree
Bark: Extracted for cinnamon
Origin: Sri Lanka
Health and Dietary Considerations
Frontier Co-op Organic Ceylon Cinnamon is hailed for its authenticity and quality. It provides a pure, organic spice experience, catering to various dietary needs and preferences.
Nutritional Information
Organic Ceylon Cinnamon is a spice that has minimal caloric content. It is sourced from the bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree and is recognized for its delicate and sweet flavor. As an organic product, it is free from artificial ingredients, ensuring that consumers enjoy a natural seasoning.
Ingredients: Pure Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)
Certifications:
Organic: Certified organic to ensure no synthetic pesticides or chemicals.
Kosher: Meets strict kosher dietary standards.
Non-GMO: Verified to be free of genetically modified organisms.
This cinnamon is also:
Non-ETO: Not treated with ethylene oxide, a sterilization chemical.
Non-Irradiated: Not exposed to radiation for preservation.
Keto-Friendly and Dietary Categories
Frontier Co-op Organic Ceylon Cinnamon is suitable for a variety of dietary lifestyles. Its low carbohydrate content makes it an excellent addition for those following a keto diet. Furthermore, due to its natural composition, it aligns with vegan and vegetarian diets.
Dietary Categories:
Keto-Friendly: Compliant with ketogenic dietary guidelines.
Vegan/Vegetarian: Contains no animal-derived ingredients.
Allergen Considerations: No common allergens are present.
Cultivation and Sourcing
Frontier Co-op's Organic Ceylon Cinnamon is sourced from Sri Lanka, adhering to sustainable farming practices. The product is Fair Trade Certified, reflecting a commitment to fair compensation and investment in farming communities.
Farming Practices
Farmers cultivating Cinnamomum verum, the true cinnamon, apply natural and sustainable techniques. Organic certification ensures that no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers are used, preserving the delicate flavor of the spice and ensuring environmental responsibility.
Sri Lankan Production
Sri Lanka is renowned for its Ceylon cinnamon production. The Cinnamomum zeylanicum tree, native to the island, produces cinnamon with a light color tone and a distinct sweet and delicate flavor, setting it apart from common cassia cinnamon.
Fair Trade Commitment
Frontier Co-op’s cinnamon is Fair Trade Certified by Fair Trade USA, ensuring farmers receive fair rates for their harvest. Additional funds are provided to the farming communities, which they can invest in local projects for improved agriculture and infrastructure.
Culinary Uses
Frontier Co-op Organic Ceylon Cinnamon is versatile in the kitchen, celebrated for its sweet and spicy character that enriches an array of dishes. Its milder sweet flavor is sought after for both traditional and innovative recipes.
Baking and Desserts
Ceylon cinnamon imparts a flavorful yet delicate spice to baked goods. It is particularly well-suited for desserts such as cookies, cakes, and puddings. Its sweet flavor harmonizes with the ingredients, offering a subtlety that doesn't overpower. A cinnamon swirler adds an inviting twist to classic pastries, enhancing the overall taste with a warm, sweet note.
Cookies, Cakes, and Puddings: Use about 1 teaspoon for a batch of cookies or cake mix to infuse with a mildly sweet, aromatic taste.
Stewed Fruits: Sprinkle over fruits before stewing to give a comforting spice hint.
Savory Applications
When it comes to savory applications, Frontier Co-op Organic Ceylon Cinnamon introduces a sweet and spicy essence perfect for curries, vegetable dishes, and sauces. It complements various meats and complements various spicier seasonings, contributing to a complex flavor profile.
Curries: Incorporate half a teaspoon for a subtle, sweet undertone in meat or vegetable curries.
Vegetable Dishes: A light sprinkle can enhance the natural sweetness of roasted vegetables.
Beverages and Teas
Ceylon cinnamon is a key ingredient in both hot drinks and cold beverages. It adds a sweetly spiced note to teas, coffees, and mulled drinks. Punches and other refreshments benefit from its vibrant yet comforting flavor.
Teas and Hot Drinks: Steep a cinnamon stick in hot water or your favorite tea to create a soothing, aromatic drink.
Mulled Drinks and Punches: Add a stick or a pinch of ground cinnamon to your recipe for a festive taste.
Product Range and Offerings
Frontier Co-op offers a variety of organic Ceylon cinnamon products, known as "true cinnamon," with options for both the home cook and professional chef. These products maintain a high-quality spice standard, boasting both organic and Fair Trade certifications.
Ground Cinnamon and Sticks
Ground Cinnamon: Frontier Co-op provides ground Ceylon cinnamon in various sizes, including a 1 lb. bulk option. This form of cinnamon is distinguished by its sweet and mild flavor profile, which sets it apart from the more common cassia cinnamon.
Form Description Uses Ground Organic, Fair Trade Certified true cinnamon. Ideal for baked goods like cookies and cakes; enhances hot drinks such as tea and coffee.
Ceylon Cinnamon Sticks: The organic Ceylon cinnamon sticks, available in 3-inch sizes, are perfect for infusing flavor into beverages and culinary dishes, retaining the delicate and sweet characteristics of Ceylon cinnamon.
Form Description Uses Sticks Organic, 3-inch sticks sourced from Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark. Great for flavoring stews, hot beverages, and as aromatic stirrers.
Spice Blends and Related Products
Frontier Co-op's range extends beyond single spices to include blends that feature Ceylon cinnamon as a key ingredient. These blends may commonly incorporate spices and herbs such as allspice, cloves, ginger, and mulling spice, which are carefully selected to complement the sweet and warm notes of Ceylon cinnamon.
Allspice: A versatile spice that works well in combination with cinnamon for savory and sweet dishes.
Cloves: Often paired with cinnamon for depth in spice mixes and baking recipes.
Ginger: Complements cinnamon in baking and is a common ingredient in spice blends.
Mulling Spice: A spice blend that frequently contains cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, perfect for creating spiced cider or wine.
Recipes and Inspiration
Frontier Co-op Organic Ceylon Cinnamon adds a distinct sweet flavor and pungent sweetness to both traditional recipes and innovative culinary creations. The delicate aroma and taste enhance the overall sensory experience of dishes.
Featured Cinnamon Recipes
Cookies: Incorporate Ceylon cinnamon for a subtle, sweet flavor that complements chocolate chips or nut-based recipes.
Cakes: A touch of cinnamon can add depth to the taste of classic vanilla or carrot cakes.
Hot Beverages:
Cinnamon Tea: Steep cinnamon sticks in hot water, or add ground cinnamon to black tea.
Spiced Coffee: A sprinkle of Ceylon cinnamon in coffee can transform a regular cup into a comforting treat.
Creative Culinary Ideas
Innovative Pairings:
Combine with apple to elevate pies or crisps.
Mix with pumpkin in seasonal dishes for an added layer of flavor.
Savory Dishes:
Use in curries as part of a balanced spice blend.
Infuse into sauces or stews to introduce an unexpected sweetness.
