Cinnamon is one of the most used spices around the globe. Arab traders enchanted Europe first with cinnamon while keeping the supply limited. Consequently, the spice became a status symbol in Europe, which only the rich could afford. The Arabs, ever indefinite where they retrieved the luxury spice from, were always making sure to preserve their monopoly to justify the elevated prices. Many European explorers left the continent in an attempt at finding the mysterious source of cinnamon. Portuguese succeeded first by finding the island of Ceylon, presently known as Sri Lanka.
The treasure was a small evergreen tree, reaching between 10 and 15 meters. During the harvesting period, the inner barks are laid in the sun to dry and roll into the well-known curled cinnamon sticks. The spice compliments well with sweet and salty flavors. Also, in this botanical rum, the hints a woody fragrance and the smoky-sweet cinnamon taste fit perfectly with the pineapple.
Fun fact: Roman emperor Nero burned a year’s supply of cinnamon at the funeral of his wife, showing his regret for murdering her.
