Did you know that there are many kinds of cinnamon? Yes, there’s more than just one! In this article, we’ll be tackling Korintje cinnamon. What exactly is it? Where did it come from?
This type of cinnamon is similar to the other cinnamon variants, providing a spicy flavor and aroma while contributing a lot of health benefits that paved the way for traditional medicine.
Korintje Cinnamon contains a lot of health benefits such as:
- Preventing cancer
- Preventing heart diseases
- Preventing diabetes
- Supporting blood clotting
- Curing irritable bowel syndrome
And many more! Some of its other health benefits may surprise you.
To learn more about the wonderful health benefits of Korintje cinnamon, then keep on reading and expand your knowledge about this amazing herbal spice!
5 Health Benefits of Korintje Cinnamon
Korintje cinnamon isn’t just known for being a delicious spice, this intense flavoring also reaps a lot of health benefits so not only is it tasty, but it also provides a medicinal purpose!
Did you know the oil that’s extracted from this plant is known to possess anti-bacterial, carminative, and anti-fungal properties? Cinnamon oil contains cinnamaldehyde, one of its major components and also the one responsible for that distinctive cinnamon aroma. Cinnamaldehyde is powerful enough to eradicate the cytoplasmic membrane of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative and activate the depletion of the intracellular ATP concentration.
Cinnamaldehyde also inhibits fungi growth such as filamentous molds, yeast, and even the eggs and adults of human head lice. Water and alcohol extracts of Korintje cinnamon are also shown to have antibacterial effects against ulcer-inducing bacteria.
Here are some of the well-known health benefits of Korintje cinnamon:
01 – Preventing Cancer
Indonesian cinnamon is said to be an aid in terms of decreasing cancer risk. In various studies, it was noted that Korintje cinnamon inhibited the proliferation of several cancer cells such as breast, ovarian, lung, and leukemia tumor cells.
One study showed how cinnamon has significantly decreased the amount of cancer cell migration, which is why this spice has been regarded as an anti-cancer agent.
02 – Preventing Heart Disease
This is another health benefit of Korintje cinnamon if you consume it regularly. This spicy herb gives the heart protection against common sources of heart problems like cholesterol and high blood pressure. Indonesian cinnamon is a good source of reducing blood pressure.
03 – Preventing Diabetes
Korintje cinnamon is key to lowering the risk of diabetes, specifically type II diabetes. Indonesian cinnamon has been noted to contain insulin-mimetic properties due to the substances that actively boost glucose uptake by activating insulin receptor kinase activity, glycogen synthase activity, and the autophosphorylation of the insulin receptor.
04 – Supporting Blood Clotting
This spice makes the blood thin thus protecting you from any potential and unwanted clumping of platelets. Many pieces of research and studies have already concluded as to why cinnamon is a great anticoagulant.
05 – Curing Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Korintje cinnamon can be helpful with fighting against gastrointestinal problems including IBS due to its antibacterial properties. Consuming cinnamon can definitely be beneficial in treating bloating, constipation, and diarrhea which are caused by bacteria present.
Other Health Benefits of Korintje Cinnamon
Now if you think that those are the only health benefits that Korintje cinnamon is capable well there’s actually more!
Korintje cinnamon also helps with boosting one’s mood because of its good scent. And once again, since cinnamon has antibacterial properties that can fight the bacteria in the gut which can trigger one’s depression.
Some studies have shown that cinnamon can treat Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disease that affects one’s mobility. Korintje cinnamon can stimulate the change of the biomolecular and anatomical cellular.
Too much cholesterol is a bad thing, which is a good idea to consume cinnamon since it contains properties that are beneficial for glucose uptake, insulin regulation, and blood lipid profile.
“May this day cure all your pain and disease the same as cinnamon rolls do.”
Anonymous
Applying cinnamon directly onto your skin as an exfoliant can enhance the skin quality and texture of your face, but remember to put a considerable amount to avoid over-exfoliation which is a bad thing no matter which exfoliating agent you use.
Korintje cinnamon can also fight against polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and promote healthy teeth. It can also treat HIV, act as an insect repellant, and even enhance one’s sex life.
Cinnamon has also been used to treat sore throat, nausea, abdominal cramps, intestinal spasms, flatulence, cough, and diarrhea.
Overall, Korintje cinnamon poses a lot of health benefits which makes this an amazing all-around spice since it provides different purposes. It’s safe to say that consuming cinnamon is healthy and decreases your risk of catching any disease.
Where Did Korintje Cinnamon Come From?
Korintje Cinnamon, also known as cinnamomum burmannii, is a kind of cinnamon that was originally found in Indonesia. It can also be found in China and Vietnam and has slowly been introduced to other parts of Asia, Central America, and South America.
The Korintje cinnamon is also considered a variety of Cassia cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon is a type of cinnamon prepared from the dried inner bark of an evergreen tree.
The cinnamon plant is measured about 4-14 centimeters long and produces a glossy green color on its leaves. The bark of the plant is commonly harvested and sold in the market in the form of quills and rolls, which are used for cooking and flavoring.
| Scientific Name | Cinnamomum Burmannii |
| Origin | Indonesia |
| Color | Purple black when it’s ripe |
| Shape | Spheroidal berry that is attached by a small capsule that has the basal, truncate parts of the outer parts of the plant’s flower |
History of Korintje Cinnamon
It was suggested by Chinese herbalists back in 2700 B.C. to use the bark of the cinnamon as a means of treating diarrhea, fever, and menstrual issues. In around 500 B.C., Korintje cinnamon was transported to Egypt where it was recognized of value when it comes to combining it with their preserving mixtures.
Now it wasn’t until the Greeks, Romans, and the Hebrews decided to utilize the Indonesian cinnamon bark as a cooking spice–they were the first ones who did this back in the day. They also incorporated it into their perfumes and also used it for medicinal purposes.
The dried inner bark of the Korintje cinnamon is utilized as a flavoring agent in food and drinks. Whereas, the oil that’s distilled from the bark which contains oleoresin of the bark is used when making perfumes and soaps.
It was also discovered that cinnamon can slow down food spoilage, which was one way of preserving ingredients and other consumables.
Korintje Cinnamon Flavor and Scent Profile
The flavor profile of Korintje cinnamon may not be entirely different compared to the other types of cinnamon, but experts describe its taste as bitter and astringent. It can give off a sweet and smooth, with a specific woodsy flavor if it’s in ground form.
Its aroma can be more intense compared to certain other types of cinnamon, often having a description of a long-lasting subtle clove and peppery scent. However, Indonesian cinnamon is typically the milder sibling among the cinnamon group. The scent that Korintje cinnamon carries is reminiscent of the holidays. It can remind people of nostalgic festive feelings which is why this type of cinnamon works best with holiday cocktails and holiday pastries.
Using Korintje cinnamon in its stick form complements savory dishes such as chutney and other kinds of pickled food, curry, and even large pots of steamed rice.
It’s safe to say if you purchase a different kind of cinnamon, its flavor won’t completely be different but can differ in terms of the degree and intensity of the spice.
Can You Use Korintje Cinnamon for Baking?
Korintje cinnamon is actually the most common type of cinnamon in the United States. If you come across a bottle of ground cinnamon being sold in your supermarket then there’s a huge chance that it’s made from Indonesian cinnamon. About 70% of the North American cinnamon imports are Korintje cinnamon which is why you won’t be going through a hard time looking for this specific cinnamon.
Since cinnamon is often used for baking cakes and pastries, then it’s a no-brainer to deduce that Korintje cinnamon is indeed perfectly safe to use as a baking ingredient. Korintje cinnamon is regarded as the standard for bakers and chefs.
A Spicy Conclusion
To sum it up, Korintje cinnamon is an amazing flavoring agent and has a lot of health benefits. It’s named “a friendly cinnamon that works with everything.”
This super herb takes people back to their favorite holiday memory, reeling in sweet nostalgia that makes this spice a main attraction during the festive season.
Even if you’re not a fan of the taste of cinnamon, it’s impossible to deny its tremendous medicinal purposes which were forefront in traditional medicine. It’s a good thing that this specific spice has been discovered, grown, and cultivated so that the entire world can also reap its benefits.
Cinnamon spice latte, anyone?
