Occidental International Foods

Cinnamon is aromatic and spicy, while its flavor may sometimes be semi-hot and pungent. We offer both cinnamon sticks and ground cinnamon. Cinnamon quills are cut normally 2 ¾" and 6" in length.

Our ground cinnamon is a premium grade KA product and contains 2.5 to 3.5 percent oil of cassia, a volatile oil, the principal component of which is cinnamon aldehyde (85-90%). It is this oil that gives cinnamon its unique aroma and flavor. The higher the volatile oil content, the stronger the flavor. Lower grades of cinnamon and cassia often have very low oil content and often are sold with no guarantees. Buyers should be careful to inquire about the minimum guaranteed level of volatile oil when purchasing cinnamon or cassia. Cassia Cinnamon (C. Cassia) normally has a more intense flavor and a higher volatile oil content than Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamon Zeylanicum).

History:

Cinnamon is one of the oldest known spice throughout recorded history. In the Bible, God instructed Moses to prepare an anointing oil which contained sweet cinnamon and cassia. Further it is mentioned in the description of markets in Ezekiel, and in Proverbs as a body perfume. Similarly, in ancient Greece and Rome, ointments were made fragrant with cinnamon and cassia leaves.

Pre-dating biblical times, cinnamon was know and used in religious ceremonies throughout Asia. It held a particularly special place in ancient Chinese religion. According to ancient Chinese belief, at the mouth of the Yellow River was a beautiful garden named Paradise and in this garden was the Tree of Life, the fruit from which would give eternal life and happiness to anyone who ate it. The Tree of Life was a cassia tree. Commercial Uses:

Whole cassia cinnamon sticks are available with 3" or 6" length, and also as a fine ground powder. Cinnamon sticks are primarily sold to specialty foods service and retail industries to be used in products such as mulling spices used in tea infusions and cider blends. Ground cinnamon is sold on to industrial clients as well as foodservice and retail clients for baked goods such as cinnamon rolls, pastries, breads, muffins, and cookies. Cinnamon is also of course very popular as a spice to sprinkle on cappuccino or to sprinkle on toast, oatmeal or cereals.

Medicinal Uses:

The leaves of the cinnamon and cassia trees are commonly used in Eastern medicine as a treatment for diarrhea. Further, the essential oil of cinnamon is used in antidiarrhetic formulas and as a sweetener in cough syrups.

Because cinnamon contains a type of phenol that slows down the growth of bacteria that causes meat to spoil, it is often used as a flavoring spice for meat dishes, particularly in warm climates.

Storage:

This product should be stored consistently in a cool, dark, ambient environment. Cinnamon should be protected from exposure to sunlight or other strong light, and the product should not be stored next to any strong smelling substance. The ideal storage temperature is 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit. The length of time cinnamon is good is highly dependent upon the conditions in which it is stored, as well as whether whole or ground. Cinnamon sticks, when properly stored, are good for 18 to 24 months. Whereas ground cinnamon, if properly stored, is good for 6 to 9 months.

Item 11140 Ground Cinnamon, Premium Grade KA,
Packed 50 lb Net Wt Cartons
Item 11220 Cinnamon Sticks, Korintje 2.75" Length,
Packed 50 lbs Net Wt
Item 11226 Cinnamon Sticks, Korintje 6" Length,
Packed 50 lbs Net Wt
Item 11040 Cinnamon Spice Blend (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Sugar, Allspice & Cloves Ground), Packed 50 lbs Net Cartons