Madagascar Cinnamon
Madagascar is one of two countries outside of Sri Lanka where true Ceylon cinnamon grows, the second being Seychelles. The cinnamon tree is native to Sri Lanka and scientifically named Cinnamomum Zeylanicum or Cinnamomum verum. The plant was probably introduced to Madagsacar in ancient times by sailors crossing the Indian Ocean on their trading routes. Madagascar and Ceylon cinnamon alike are often referred to as gourmet cinammon.
The export of Madagascar cinnamon was temporarily paused in mid 1990s because of over harvesting by which the complete stem and root were used. As farmers have since been tought sustainable cinnamon farming methods to not harvest the complete tree and roots, enough cinnamom trees have recovered and the ban was lifted and production and export resumed. In 2011, Madagascar produced 2,300 metric tons of cinnamon, approximately 1.1% of the world production.
Madagascar cinnamon grows best in sandy soil and the tree can grow up to 15 metres in its natural state, but is cut earlier for harvesting. Harvesting is usually done after the rainy season while the bark is moist and rich in flavour and essential oils. Only the inner bark of the tree is used for the spice.
Madagascar's and Ceylon cinnamon has the lowest amount of coumarin contents compared to other cinnamons. Coumarin is a slightly toxic substance, which is best avoided if taking cinnamon as a health supplement, in teas etc. Cinnamon is used in a wide variety of traditional medecines, and of course in cooking, especially in desserts, cinnamon rolls, muffins and countless other sweets, as well as coffee, chocolate, rhum etc.
Madagascar's and Ceylon cinnamon alike should not be mixed up with Cassia, Cinnamomum aromaticum, commonly known as Chinese cinnamon. It is easy to tell the difference between Madagascar and Chinese varieties. Madagascar is sweet, citrusy and delicate in flavour compared with Chinese Cassia cinnamon, which is stronger, more intense and slightly bitter. The bark of Cassia is also strong and rough while Madagascar cinnamon is smooth and paler in colour, crumbly (easy to break) and roll up like a newspager from one side, whereas Cassia cinnamon usually curls inwards from two sides with a hollow tube.
There are many other types of cinnamon but only four commercial types: In addition to Ceylon and Cassia, there are also Saigon and Korintje, however, the latter two are also classified as Cassia. There is also Mexican cinnamon, but it's in fact Ceylon or the Madagascar variety. Mexican cinnamon only gained its name because they import so much of it.
