cinnamon (दालचीनी)
About cinnamon (दालचीनी)
In Nepal, cinnamon, locally known as 'Dalchini,' is a familiar spice used in both traditional and modern cooking. It's a staple in many Nepali kitchens, valued for its warm, sweet flavour and aromatic qualities. Cinnamon is frequently incorporated into lentil soups (dal), vegetable curries, and various meat dishes, adding depth and complexity. Furthermore, cinnamon is not just a culinary ingredient, it has also been employed in traditional Nepalese medicine and cultural practices for centuries, highlighting its multifaceted importance within the region. In recent times, there has also been a push to promote local cultivation of cinnamon in Nepal which holds great potential to boost local economy and self sufficiency.
Nutritional info
These are the major micro nutrients found in cinnamon
Seasonality
Cinnamon, as a dried spice, is generally available year-round in Nepal. However, the harvest season for the cinnamon bark (which is processed into the spice) typically occurs during the warmer months in regions where cinnamon trees are grown. Due to the import driven nature of the supply of Cinnamon in Nepal, seasonality of harvesting is not immediately relevant. The spice itself, however, is usually available throughout the year.
History
The history of cinnamon in Nepal is deeply intertwined with ancient trade routes and cultural exchanges. While Nepal might not be a primary producer of cinnamon, its strategic location along historical trading paths like the Silk Road facilitated its early arrival. Cinnamon has been used in Nepalese cuisine and traditional medicine for centuries, likely as early as ancient times as a result of trade with the southern parts of the subcontinent and wider Indian Ocean region. Nepali merchants likely traded for cinnamon from the south and it gradually found its way into the local cuisine and other uses. In more recent times, there has been an interest in cultivating cinnamon locally in Nepal, thereby boosting the local economy and making the country less dependent on importing it from neighboring countries.