National Cinnamon Day

National Cinnamon Day is dedicated to one of the world’s most popular and oldest spices. Cinnamon was originally used not in cooking, but in traditional Chinese medicine to treat lung diseases. This spice, which is more than 4 thousand years old, surely deserves its own holiday.

History

National Cinnamon Day was first celebrated in 2019, initiated by McCormick. The day is intended to bring people back to childhood memories and to share home warmth and comfort. It is also aiming to promote the spice due to its many beneficial substances and its ability to bring out the flavors in any dish.

The spice is obtained from the inner part of the bark of certain laurel family plants. It is usually used in the form of sticks, which can be ground into powder or used as a whole for drinks. There are many myths and legends surrounding the appearance of this spice, and its exact origin remains unknown.

Interesting facts

• Indonesia and China are the largest producers of cinnamon and account for around 70% of the world’s supply.
• In the past, cinnamon was only available to the wealthy.
• Cinnamon sources were kept a closely guarded secret by spice merchants to maintain a monopoly on its supply.
• Legends say that cinnamon birds build their nests using sticks of the spice, but where they source them is unknown.
• In the Roman Empire, cinnamon was used as payment for labor – one pound of cinnamon was paid for 50 months of work.
• Due to its strong aroma, cinnamon sticks were used in cremations, Nero used a stock of spices with his head at the funeral of his wife.

How to take part

To take part in National Cinnamon Day, you can cook or bake with cinnamon, experiment with new ways to use the spice in cosmetology and nutrition, stock up on spices at your local store, or host a tea party with cinnamon-flavored treats.

When is National Cinnamon Day celebrated in 2023?

National Cinnamon Day is observed on November 1 each year.

Observations