Cinnamon is a spice made from the inner bark of cinnamon trees. True cinnamon comes from the species Cinnamomum verum which is grown in Sri Lanka, but most commercially-sold cinnamon is instead made from various species of cassia. It is enjoyed in many cuisines for its sweet taste and aroma, and is included as an ingredient in various dishes to add flavor. Cinnamon was invented in southern Asia sometime prior to 2000 BCE, and for much of history it was so prized that it was often considered a gift worthy of royalty and was connected to several deities. China is the world’s leading producer of cinnamon, selling 43% of it as of 2024.
