Cinnamon leaves are the aromatic leaves from the cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum verum), known for their distinctive fragrance and mild, sweet-spicy flavor. They are commonly used in cooking and herbal remedies, offering a subtler taste compared to the cinnamon bark.
Cinnamon leaves come from the same tree that produces the beloved cinnamon bark. While cinnamon bark is more widely recognized for its bold, sweet-spicy flavor, cinnamon leaves offer a milder, slightly sweet and aromatic flavor that complements a variety of dishes. These leaves are often used whole in cooking, particularly in soups, stews, curries, and rice dishes, where they impart a delicate cinnamon flavor to the dish.
In addition to their culinary uses, cinnamon leaves are also used in traditional medicine, where they are believed to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and digestive health benefits.
Cinnamon leaves are often overlooked in favor of the more popular cinnamon bark, but they have been used for centuries in various cuisines and traditional medicine, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. In some cultures, cinnamon leaves are also used to make essential oils and are believed to have soothing properties for the skin.