Cinnamon is the dried bark of various laurel trees in the cinnamomun verum family It is a sweet-tasting spice with a warm woody aroma The smell of Cinnamon is pleasant stimulates the senses yet calms the nerves The thinnest bark is the best quality cinnamon It is available as a powder but is much better bought in sticks When ground the flavor becomes stronger Whole cinnamon is used for spacing hot drinks ground - in cakes sweet dishes fruit pies (especially apples) It can also be used in more piquant dishes such as curries and combines perfectly with chicken