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| Friday, September 26, 2008 |
| Old Spice |
Do you ever wonder why some men are so irresistible? I think I know now. It’s a little dab of (an) old spice.
Spice, especially cinnamon, was once the exclusive property of “monarchs,” and treasured in ancient times for its rare, sweet smell, wonderful flavor, and healing abilities. History tells us “Cinnamon was once so highly prized that wars were fought over it, it was used as currency, and has aphrodisiacal powers.” Reported scientific claims include use as “an insect repellant, digestion aid, treatment to prevent colds, and remarkable pharmacological effects in the treatment of type II diabetes and insulin resistance.” More recent devotees are no less convinced. “In Hoodoo, cinnamon is a multipurpose ingredient used for purification, luck, love, and money.”
Who could resist a little dab of that?
Just last week, I was satisfied with Saffron. This week, I’m amazed by the gifts cinnamon has brought to civilization, and by our resourcefulness and ability to keep finding ‘fresh’ uses for an old spice.
Researchers from the University of Zaragoza, in Spain, report having studied some very ancient knowledge about cinnamon, which “has long been known for its capacity to stop spoilage.” They applied some very modern science, and discovered a ‘fresh,’ practical, and just-in-time solution for 21st century consumers. They “developed an antimold wrapper” combining wax paper with cinnamon.
Their combination was so effective at preventing mold, that even “bread already tainted with mold, placed in the wax paper made with 6% cinnamon oil inhibited the growth by 96%, prolonging freshness by up to 10 days.” The researchers hope the wrapper will “also be effective in keeping fruits, vegetables and meats fresh.”
Add the arrival of cinnamon wax paper to great moments in history! It will be written that during our struggle with rising gas, grocery, utility and mortgage bills… “an old favorite spice” arrived like a very sweet smelling knight in shining wax armor.
Who could resist a little dab of that?
- Nancy
Labels: Nancy, Spices
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posted by The Sensei Team @ Friday, September 26, 2008   |
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