Vietnamese Cinnamon Powder - 6.5% Oil Content

Vietnamese cinnamon comes from the bark of the Cinnamomum loureirii cassia tree that is native to the higher, mountainous regions of Central and Northern Vietnam. Regarded by many as the world’s most aromatic cinnamon, this Vietnamese variety has the highest concentration of essential oils of any cinnamon currently found in the world today. Because of the powerful amount of aromatic oils, Vietnamese cinnamon is extremely intense and concentrated with sweet cinnamon flavor. The oil concentration is so high that if you ignite the branch, it will spark!

Unlike other cinnamon, Vietnamese cinnamon is surprisingly sweet and robustly spicy, similar to that of a “red hot” candy. Often times other cinnamon is only subtly sweet, if at all. But true Vietnamese is sweet just like candy. It is highly prized among chefs around the world for the high level of flavor that it brings to both baked, stewed and soup stock dishes. When cooking with it, you use only a very small amount (depending on how fresh it is) to achieve the flavors that you would normally need when using a larger amount of other cinnamon. The overall flavor of Vietnamese cinnamon is similar to Chinese Tung Hing Cassia Cinnamon, yet it still comes in second to Vietnamese Cinnamon, and usually contains a 3 to 4% Oil Content, versus Vietnamese Cinnamon in which the rarest and highest quality can contain upwards to 8% Oil Content.

Vietnamese Cinnamon ( Cinnamomum loureirri ) formally known as Saigon cinnamon is a special variety that is rebounding in popularity in the United States following a more than 20-year absence. Compared to Indonesian types, Vietnamese cinnamon has a distinctly sweet flavor and an exceptionally high volatile oil content. Gourmet cooks rate it as the highest quality cinnamon in the world.

Real vs. Fake Vietnamese Cinnamon?

After speaking with the cinnamon merchants in Central Vietnam, and interviewing people who are familiar with Vietnamese Cinnamon, we learned some fascinating facts about this amazing spice.

• Cinnamon Bark Strips: In Vietnam, REAL Vietnamese cinnamon will be sold as long (about 12″-16″) strips of curled bark. The bark is harvested in the summer when the oil content is at it’s highest. As the bark dries, it curls.

1. Beware!! Because of the high demand of Vietnamese cinnamon, many merchants will “mix” in or “add” in other varieties of inferior cinnamon.
2. TASTE it for confirmation.  Just take small nibble of the bark (that’s all it takes), chew and mix with your saliva. Let the bark infuse and release it’s oils. You should taste the sweet/spicy/aromatic flavors.
3. Break it into chunks and infuse to your liquid based dishes or grate cleaned bark on a microplane grater for a powdered form. Start with just a little amount first, because of the high oil content, it can overpower your dishes with cinnamon flavors. But is that a bad thing?

• Cinnamon Chips (broken bark pieces): Often times, spice vendors will sell it in small chips. But again, from what we’ve been told, cheaters will mix these with bits of other bark.

1. TASTE it for confirmation.  Again, if the taste isn’t a sweet, intense flavor kind of like a “red hot," you are getting hosed, that's not the real deal.
2. Depending on the size of the chips that you buy, they might be too small to grate. If that is the case, then put the broken pieces in a food processor, grinder or microplane. The already broken pieces can be tossed into your soups and sauces.

   

• Cinnamon Powder: Most times, Vietnamese cinnamon is sold in the powder form. From local merchant rumors in the Quang Nam Province, some companies will “blend” Vietnamese cinnamon with these other varieties of powdered Indonesian cinnamon or just plain wood particles. Because real Viet Cinnamon is so aromatic, no one really knows the difference. Few have actually had the previous experience, and have already tasted the truly PURE Vietnamese Cinnamon.

1. TASTE it for confirmation: Place a good sized pinch in your palm and lick the powder. Is it SWEET? Like a RED HOT candy? If it’s not sweet, then you have a blend of other varieties. It’s been grounded down with the a different cassia variety.
2. Tourist Trap in Viet-Nam: When in Viet-Nam, don’t settle for the powdered stuff so quickly. Since you’re in the homeland of Vietnamese Cinnamon, ask to see the bark or to buy the bark. Pretend like you know exactly what you are talking about, even if you don’t.  If they think you are a serious buyer, they’ll bring out the “good stuff.”  Then take a bite out of it, chew, mix with your saliva and look for the sweetness.

Medicinal Benefits

Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory qualities that can lessen joint and muscle pain, especially the joint pain associated with arthritis. Diabetics should know that a recommended daily dose of this spice may be instrumental in helping regulate blood sugar. Cinnamon can also benefit the health of your heart by improving your circulation. Cinnamon can also improve digestive health and relieve common stomach discomforts. Many women use a daily dose of cinnamon to relieve discomforts associated with their menstrual cycle. If you have nasal or sinus congestion, cinnamon may help relieve these conditions. Cinnamon may also help kill and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, which makes this spice useful for preventing urinary tract infections, tooth decay, gum disease, and other bacterial problems. Cinnamon in its common form can be added to a variety of foods you may eat regularly, such as fruit dishes, breads, pancakes, muffins, pies, cookies, and much more. There are also a variety of cinnamon supplements available, but these should always be discussed with your doctor before adding them to your daily diet.

Note: Superior Herbalists choose Vietnamese Cinnamon over other more common types of cinnamon due to the higher oil content, as well as the stronger nature of the oil naturally present. Which also means that this cinnamon really has some kick! So we urge you to use responsibly and with common sense caution.

Findings By The Team Of Researchers Led By Dr. P. Zoladz

Brain Tonic:
Cinnamon boosts the activity of the brain and hence acts as a good brain tonic. It helps in removing nervous tension and memory loss. Research at the Wheeling Jesuit University in the US has proved that the scent of cinnamon has the ability to boost brain activity. The team of researchers led by Dr. P. Zoladz found that people who were administered with cinnamon improved their scored on cognitive activities such as attentional processes, virtual recognition memory, working memory, and visual-motor response speed.

Other Findings

Blood Purification:
Cinnamon helps in removing blood impurities. (It is often recommended for pimples).

Blood Circulation:
Cinnamon aids in the circulation of blood due to the presence of a blood-thinning compound in it. This blood circulation may help significantly in removing pain. Good blood circulation also ensures oxygen supply to the body cells leading to higher metabolic activity. (Individuals may significantly reduce the chances of heart attack by regularly consuming cinnamon).

Infections:
Due to its antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral and antiseptic properties, it may be effective in external as well as internal infections. It been shown to aid in destroying germs in the gall bladder and to assist healthy immune function.

Pain:
Cinnamon possesses documented anti inflammatory qualities. It may help in removing the stiffness and pain of muscles and joints, and herbalists recommend the supplementation of cinnamon to lessen the pain associated with arthritis. It also may assist in removing headache that is caused by external cold, or wind.

Diabetes:
Cinnamon has a proven positive regulatory effect on blood sugar., and a certain percentage of diabetics find it very useful, as cinnamon aids them in using less insulin, although this is not true for all. However research has shown that it is particularly helpful for patients suffering from type2 diabetes. Type2 diabetes patients are not always able to fully utilize their insulin dosage properly. Researchers at the US Department of Agriculture's Human Nutrition Research Center in Beltsville, Maryland, studied the effect of various food substances including cinnamon on blood sugar. They found that a water-soluble polyphenol compound called MHCP which is extremely abundant in cinnamon synergistically acted with insulin and helped in the better utilization of insulin.

Heart Diseases:
It is believed that the calcium and fiber present in cinnamon may provide protection against heart diseases. Taken as a food supplement to ones diet by including a little cinnamon in the food one eats, cinnamon may help those suffering from coronary artery disease and high blood pressure, although this is not an alternative to regular medical treatment from ones treating physician.

Colon Health:
Cinnamon has been shown to improve the health of the colon, its daily use may reduce some risk factors to colon cancer.

Mouth Freshener:
Cinnamon is used in chewing gums as it is a good mouth freshener and removes bad breath.

Perfumes:
It has a refreshing aroma and is extensively used in making perfumes.

Indigestion:
Cinnamon is added in many ethnic recipes. Apart from adding flavor to the food, it also aids in digestion. Cinnamon is very effective for indigestion, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea and flatulence. Due to its carminative properties, it is very helpful in removing gas from the stomach and intestines. It also removes general acidity, and settles the stomach for many women who are experiencing morning sickness. It is therefore often referred to as a digestive tonic.

Respiratory problems:
Cinnamon helps lessen discomfort associated with cold, flu, influenza, sore throat and congestion.

Menstruation:
Cinnamon is effective for many women in providing relief from menstrual discomfort and cramping.

Breastfeeding:
It is also believed that cinnamon aids in the secretion of breast milk.

Cinnamon is considered a diuretic in nature and helps in secretion and discharge of urine thereby benefiting the urinary tract. It is also a mild aphrodisiac, and is believed to arouse sexual desire.

Organic Honey & Vietnamese Cinnamon Concoction, A Helpful Folk Remedy

It has been found that a mixture of honey and Cinnamon relieves the discomfort of many ailments. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists today also accept honey as a very effective aid for many kinds of disharmonies. Honey can be used without any side effects for any kind of disease.
 
Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right dosage as a supplement, it does not harm diabetic patients.

Weekly World News, a magazine in Canada, in its issue dated 17 January,1995 has given the following list of diseases that can be successfully managed or reduced in severity by the combination of honey and cinnamon as researched by western scientists:
 
Heart Diseases:
Make a paste consisting of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, instead of jelly and jam, and eat it regularly for breakfast.

This provides the action of reducing the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also those who’ve already experienced an attack in adopting this process daily are kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heartbeat.
 
In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully. As one ages the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged. Honey and cinnamon together possess the action to revitalize the arteries and veins.
 
Arthritis:
Arthritis patients may take a daily dose in the morning and evening one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey along with one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder.

If taken regularly, even chronic arthritis can be significantly reduced. In a recent research Conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half a teaspoon of Cinnamon Powder before breakfast that within a week, out of the 200 people treated, 73 patients were totally relieved of pain, and within a month almost all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis began walking again without pain.
 
Bladder Infections:
Two tablespoons of cinnamon powder with one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink. This has the action of eliminating germs that have collected over time in the urinary bladder.
 
Cholesterol:
Two tablespoons of honey with three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed with 16 ounces of tea water.

This was given to a cholesterol patient and was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours.  If taken three times a day any chronic Cholesterol can be significantly reduced.  According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.
 
Colds:
One tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will help to resolve most chronic coughs, colds, and is beneficial to clear the sinuses.
 
Upset Stomach:
Honey taken with cinnamon powder is beneficial to and can resolve stomach ache.
 
Gas:
According to studies done in India and Japan, it has been revealed that if Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.
 
Immune System:
Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder has the action of strengthening the immune system thereby protecting the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins including iron in large amounts. Consistent use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacteria and viral Diseases.
 
Indigestion:
Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food
relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.
 
Influenza:
A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ingredient, which debilitates the influenza germ and can save a patient from flu.
 
Longevity:
Four Tablespoons of honey, one Tablespoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of water and boil to make tea.  Drink 1/4 cup, three to Four times a day. Keeps the skin fresh and soft and increases longevity.

Acne:
Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste; Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. 

Done daily for two weeks may restore ones natural complexion from unsightly blemishes.
 
Skin Infections:
Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts is beneficial to and may resolve eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.
 
Weight Loss:
Drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water daily in the morning one half hours before breakfast on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping. 

If taken regularly weight reduces even in the most obese person.  Also, drinking this mixture regularly markedly inhibits cellulite to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.
 
Fatigue:
Half a Tablespoon of honey in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder. Taken daily after brushing, and again in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M.

Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is helpful to the strength of the body. Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts, become more alert and flexible.  Dr. Milton, a researcher, advocates this method and further states that this should be taken when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, and that an increase in vitality should be noticed within a week.
 
Bad Breath:
First thing in the morning, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water. Breath stays fresh throughout the day.