Ceylon Spices: A World of Flavor with Biblical Roots

Ceylon Spices: A World of Flavor with Biblical Roots

Introduction:

Sri Lanka, the teardrop-shaped island in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its famous spices. These aromatic treasures have tantalized taste buds and perfumed cuisines for thousands of years, even mentioned in ancient texts like such as the Bible.

Cinnamon: The Sweet Spice of Legend:

Ceylon cinnamon, known for its delicate sweetness and warm fragrance, holds a special place in history. It was a key ingredient in the holy anointing oil described in the Bible book of Exodus 30:23. Just to give perspective the Exodus happened around 1300 BCE that means 3300 years ago  Its presence in Solomon's Song of Songs (4:14) speaks to its allure and value in terms of time that was 2995 years ago.

This speaks to the fame of Ceylon cinnamon and how long it has been recognized as the best cinnamon in the world.

Beyond Cinnamon: A Spice Paradise:

Sri Lanka boasts a diverse array of spices beyond cinnamon.

• Pepper: The "King of Spices," black pepper adds a pungent kick to dishes, while white pepper offers a milder heat.
• Cloves: These aromatic flower buds bring warmth and depth to both sweet and savory creations.
  
  
  
• Cardamom: With its complex, citrusy notes, cardamom is a staple in Sri Lankan curries and desserts. This spice also is mention in the bible at Revelation 18:13.
• Nutmeg and Mace: These two spices come from the same fruit, nutmeg being the seed and mace being the outer covering. They offer warm, slightly sweet flavors.

Culinary and Beyond:

Ceylon spices are indispensable in Sri Lankan cuisine, adding depth and complexity to curries, sambals, and sweets. They are also central to cuisines around the world such as Mexican, Middle Eastern, European. But their uses extend beyond the kitchen.

• Ayurvedic Medicine: Many spices have medicinal properties and are used in traditional Ayurvedic treatments.
• Aromatherapy: The fragrant oils of spices like cinnamon, clove, and cardamom are used in aromatherapy for relaxation and well-being.
• Religious Practices: Spices like sandalwood and frankincense have been used in religious ceremonies for centuries.

A Sustainable Legacy:

Sri Lanka's spice industry is rooted in sustainable practices, with many spice gardens and plantations adhering to organic and eco-friendly methods. For the vast majority of farmers they are small-hold, traditional farms which do not use pesticides or herbicides. The labor is manual and the villagers and farmers follow the same age old traditions then was practiced centuries if not millennia ago. 

Conclusion:

Ceylon spices are a testament to Sri Lanka's rich natural heritage and have been part of the larger world through trade for thousands of years. Their incredible flavors, aromas, and versatility have made them a global treasure, with roots that trace back to ancient times.

Where to buy:

Ceylon spices are available in many places throughout the world. But be careful most cinnamon is not Ceylon cinnamon but rather a different tree from China called Cassia. So make sure to buy from a reliable partner. 

Here are a few:

Ceylon Flavors this particular merchant on Amazon has great products

Organic Spice Shop is also pretty good and they have other products also from outside Sri Lanka

MicroIngredients  has a lot of stuff but their Ceylon Cinnamon and Moringa powder is amazing

Please see some Biblical references: 
Cinnamon: 5 times in the Bible  

Exodus 30:23 

Proverbs 7:17 

Song of Solomon 4:14 

Ezekiel 27:19 

Revelation 18:13   

Cardamom:  

Revelation 18:13 Referred to as Indian Spice but generally considered to be cardamom  

Origin of the English word CINNAMON:   

The English word "cinnamon", attested in English since the 15th century, deriving from the Ancient Greek κιννάμωμον (kinnámōmon, later κίνναμον : kínnamon), via Latin and medieval French intermediate forms. The Greek was borrowed from a Phoenician word, which was similar to the related Hebrew word קנמון (qinnāmōn)--