(SKU: LS40004592) Fresh Cinnamon leaves are elongated, slender, and shiny green. There is a prominent central, lighter colored vein that runs through the center of each leaf. Immature Cinnamon leaves are red in color before they mature to their bright green. Fresh Cinnamon leaves are fragrant and give off a lighter cinnamon smell and taste than cinnamon bark when used in teas or cooking. When eaten they have a hot, pungent taste. Cinnamon leaves are commonly pruned from the trees and left to dry for several days before being processed for Cinnamon leaf oil. Dried Cinnamon leaves have a matte finish and become olive in color and resemble bay leaves.
Cinnamon leaves are used to flavor stews, pilafs and curries. It is also used as a flavoring agent for baked goods and desserts. The leaves are most commonly used in their dried state, and removed before consuming. The other primary use for the leaves is volatile, or essential oils. Once extracted, Cinnamon leaf oil has a musky and spicy scent, and a light yellow tinge that distinguishes it from the red-brown color of cinnamon bark oil. Dried Cinnamon leaves can be substituted for bay leaves in many recipes, and pair well with cloves, green cardamom and black pepper. Cinnamon leaves are dried for preservation and can be stored for up to six months in an airtight container.
