Cinnamon is a spice that has been highly valued throughout history for its unique flavor and aroma. It is obtained from the inner bark of several species of trees in the genus Cinnamon, which are native to South and Southeast Asia. Cinnamon has a long and fascinating history, and has been traded and prized by many cultures around the world. In this article, we will explore the world history of cinnamon and also examine the invasion of Sri Lanka for Ceylon cinnamon, and why Ceylon cinnamon is considered the best.
World History of Cinnamon
Cinnamon was known to ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. It was highly prized for its sweet and spicy flavor, and was used in cooking, medicine, and religious ceremonies. The trade in cinnamon was controlled by Arab merchants along the spice routes, and it reached Europe in the Middle Ages.
At that time, cinnamon was a rare and expensive commodity, and was highly prized by the wealthy. It was used to flavor food and drink, as well as in perfumes and other luxury goods. During the 16th and 17th centuries, cinnamon was one of the most valuable spices in the world, and was traded by Dutch and Portuguese traders who established monopolies on its production and sale.
In the 19th century, cinnamon was introduced to other parts of the world, including the Caribbean and South America, where it was cultivated on plantations. Today, cinnamon is still grown in many parts of the world, including Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Madagascar. There are several types of cinnamon, including Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon.
Invading Ceylon for Cinnamon
Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, has been one of the major producers of Ceylon cinnamon for centuries. The spice has been an integral part of the island’s economy and culture for thousands of years. The trade in cinnamon was controlled by the Sri Lankan kings, who protected the forests where the cinnamon trees grew.
In the early 16th century, the Portuguese arrived in Sri Lanka and established a trading post at Colombo. They quickly realized the potential of the cinnamon trade, and set about establishing a monopoly on its
production and sale. They took control of the coastal areas where cinnamon grew, and forced the local people to work for them in the cinnamon trade.
The Portuguese used brutal methods to maintain their monopoly on cinnamon. They would set fire to the cinnamon forests to destroy the trees, and would also kill anyone caught stealing cinnamon. They also established a system of licenses that allowed only the Portuguese to trade in cinnamon.
In the mid-17th century, the Dutch arrived in Sri Lanka and took control of the cinnamon trade from the Portuguese. They improved the methods of cinnamon cultivation and processing, and the quality of Ceylon cinnamon continued to improve. The Dutch also introduced cinnamon to other parts of the world, including Indonesia and South America.
The British arrived in Sri Lanka in the early 19th century, and continued to develop the cinnamon trade. They established plantations, and introduced new methods of cultivation and processing. Cinnamon became an important export crop, and Ceylon cinnamon continued to be highly prized around the world.
