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The History of Cinnamon: From Scandinavia to the World

IT DMK Cargo
Oct 16
2 min read

Cinnamon is known as one of the oldest spices in the world, with a sweet, warm, and distinctive aroma. This spice has been used for thousands of years not only in cooking but also for medicine, religious rituals, and natural perfumes. But did you know that cinnamon, which originated from Asia, eventually spread across Europe and became an important part of Scandinavian culinary culture? Let’s explore its fascinating story.

Origins from the East

Cinnamon comes from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum tree, which grows abundantly in South and Southeast Asia, especially in Sri Lanka, India, and Indonesia. In ancient times, this spice was highly valuable, often compared in worth to gold. The ancient Egyptians had already used cinnamon as early as 2000 BC for religious ceremonies and embalming.

Through the spice trade routes, cinnamon was then brought to the Middle East and Europe by Arab traders. Because of its limited supply, it was very expensive and used only by nobles and royal families.

From the Spice Route to the Western World

In the 16th century, European nations began to compete in finding the original source of cinnamon. The Portuguese were the first to control the cinnamon trade in Sri Lanka. Soon after, the Dutch and the British fought for dominance over this spice for economic interests. Indonesia, especially the Maluku Islands and Sumatra, also became one of the world’s top producers of high-quality cinnamon that was in great demand in international markets.

Influence in Scandinavia

The arrival of cinnamon in Scandinavia brought a significant influence on their culinary culture. In cold regions such as Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, the warm and comforting aroma of cinnamon was believed to bring calmness and coziness during winter.

From there came many traditional dishes that use cinnamon as a main ingredient, from warm beverages and traditional pastries to breakfast foods. The strong tradition of using cinnamon in Scandinavia later spread to many countries and became a global culinary trend until today.

Cinnamon in the Modern World

Today, cinnamon is no longer a rare commodity. This spice is used all over the world, not only as a cooking ingredient but also as a natural material for health and beauty.

Some proven benefits of cinnamon include:

Helping to stabilize blood sugar levels
Having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Adding aroma and flavor to food and drinks
Used in aromatherapy to help relaxation

Experience the Rich Taste and Benefits of Authentic Indonesian Cinnamon

Cinnamon is not just a spice, but a valuable heritage that has connected different cultures across the world for thousands of years. Now you can enjoy its authentic flavor and benefits directly from Indonesia.