Cinnamon has been part of human history since 2800 BC when it was first mentioned in Chinese medical writings. Used in ancient Egypt, Europe and China as a perfume in the embalming process, an aphrodisiac and in the preservation of meat, the Arabs held the monopoly on its trade until the Portuguese discovered a prized variety in Ceylon / Sri Lanka in the 1500s. Cinnamon is now more widely grown, readily available and cheap, yet it’s magic remains strong.