While the cinnamon tree produces a berry-like fruit, the cinnamon spice itself is not a fruit.
Here's a breakdown:
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Cinnamon Tree and its Fruit: The cinnamon tree (various species of Cinnamomum) is an evergreen tree. It does produce a small, dark berry.
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Cinnamon Spice: The spice we know as cinnamon is derived from the inner bark of these trees. The bark is harvested, dried, and then either sold in quills (cinnamon sticks) or ground into a powder.
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Therefore: Since the spice is derived from the bark, not the fruit, cinnamon is not considered a fruit.
| Part of the Cinnamon Tree | Used For |
|---|---|
| Inner Bark | Cinnamon Spice |
| Leaves | Sometimes used for essential oils |
| Berries | Can be used to propagate trees |
In conclusion, while the cinnamon tree bears fruit, the spice we commonly refer to as "cinnamon" comes from the tree's bark, making it a bark-derived spice, not a fruit.
