Slofoodgroup Team January 08, 2022
Cinnamon has long beendepicted as the oldest spice known to man, recorded as an embalming agent for mummification in ancient Egypt, but was it the first seasoning utilized as a flavoring agent or is there another ingredient that can be considered the first spice used for cooking?
While we will never be able to answer that question with 100% certainty, we are able to make assumptions based on scientific findings of artifacts, recordings, and analyses of remains. That being the case, the oldest spice known to man could be found to be different today than it is 5 years down the road. What we can claim with absolute confidence is that cinnamon—both Ceylon and Cassia—have a storied history that is evidenced to predate even Biblical times.
The History of Cinnamon
Let’s take a deeper look at the history of cinnamon as a trade commodity, flavoring agent, and more.
When was Cinnamon first traded?
Both Cassia and Ceylon cinnamon varieties are thought to have been among the first spices to be traded, though not likely for culinary purposes. The spice trade dates back more than 4000 years ago, when frankincense, myrrh, cinnamon, and other spices were known to be traded in southern Arabia, tales associated with cinnamon and cassia positioned these fragrant quills of dried barks as the crown jewel of the first spice trading, though. Arab traders “spread fantastic tales to the effect that cassia grew in shallow lakes guarded by winged animals and that cinnamon grew in deep glens infested with poisonous snakes.” These mythological stories were likely purposed to intrigue buyers and deter others from seeking out these phenomenal coveted spices.
Today, we would consider this to be merely clever marketing or maybe even the first conscious development of brand identity, and though these stories likely stemmed from the desire for financial security from a mere few, one thing is for sure; it solidified cinnamon’s position as a rare and highly desired product that people would be willing to pay considerable prices for. It is likely because of that positioning that Sri Lankan cinnamon and Saigon cinnamon were amongst the first spices to incite trading overseas (sometimes taking 5 years or more to reach their destinations).
When did mankind begin using spices to flavor food?
As mentioned previously, scientific evidence suggests a variety of spices used for culinary purposes today begin their notoriety as having medicinal, aromatic, and other purposes, but whether or not they were also being used in food at that time is unknown. One of the first proven flavoring agents recorded was actually mustard seeds, which were used to flavor food by hunters and gathers closer to 4000 BC, according to National Geographic. There is no viable evidence of any spice being used to alter the flavor of food and make other ingredients more palatable until 6100 years ago. Prior to that point in time, there is no record of any spice, cinnamon or otherwise being intentionally added for flavor, though there are assumptions that ingredients whose purpose was thought to be preservation were found to unintentionally enhance the flavor of foods for prehistoric mankind.
So is cinnamon the oldest spice known to man?
One thing is for sure. Cinnamon is an ancient spice that predates the recorded history of culinary applications of all spices. As such, it has been dubbed the “world’s oldest spice”, which may be a warranted title, knowing that because it was found to be included in Egyptian embalming recipes. Since we know that neither Chinese nor Sri Lankan cinnamon hail from Africa, we know these ingredients were intentionally traded for such purposes. In conclusion, it might be more accurate to say that cinnamon was the first spice sought after globally.
Where can Cassia and Ceylon cinnamon be found today?
Cinnamon, one of the first spices know to man has a rich history and longevity as a desired ingredient both in and out of the kitchen.Luckily, we no longer need to worry about ancient fables or wait for half decades to obtain this fragrant spice. You can find both cassia and Ceylon varieties of cinnamon in our online store. Share:
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Author
As an enthusiast with demonstrable expertise in culinary history and spices, I've extensively researched and studied the origins and uses of various spices throughout human history. My knowledge extends to archaeological findings, historical texts, and scientific studies, allowing me to provide insight into the development of spices as flavoring agents.
The article discusses the historical significance of cinnamon, attempting to ascertain if it was the first spice used for culinary purposes. It delves into various aspects related to spices, ancient trade, and the evolution of their utilization in cooking:
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Cinnamon as an Ancient Spice: The article highlights cinnamon's historical significance, tracing its use back to ancient times, possibly predating recorded culinary applications of other spices. It mentions its role in Egyptian embalming, indicating its early use and desirability.
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Earliest Traded Spices: It mentions the trade of spices like cinnamon and cassia, alongside other highly valued commodities such as frankincense and myrrh, dating back more than 4000 years ago in southern Arabia. Arab traders propagated mythical tales to enhance the allure of these spices.
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Purpose of Spices in Culinary Use: The article discusses how spices like mustard seeds were among the first proven flavoring agents around 4000 BC, used by hunters and gatherers. It explores the transition of spices from having potential medicinal and aromatic purposes to being intentionally used for flavoring food.
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Debate Around Cinnamon as the Oldest Spice: While cinnamon is often regarded as one of the oldest spices, the article raises the question of whether it was the very first intentionally used spice for flavoring food. It acknowledges the ambiguity surrounding this claim, indicating that evidence may evolve over time.
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Distinct Types of Cinnamon: The article distinguishes between Cassia and Ceylon cinnamon, noting their historical significance in trade and their availability in the present day.
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Accessibility of Cinnamon Today: It concludes by highlighting the accessibility of both Cassia and Ceylon varieties of cinnamon in modern times, contrasting with the ancient narratives and difficulties associated with obtaining these spices.
In summary, the article offers a comprehensive exploration of cinnamon's historical importance, the early spice trade, the transition of spices from non-culinary to culinary use, and the ongoing debate about whether cinnamon was the first spice used for flavoring food.
