Cinnamon used to be legendary and expensive. Fanciful stories circulated about its origin, which the traders were careful not to divulge. The precious spice has a long history, and has been known in China since 2,500 B.C. It wasn't brought to Europe until about 900 years later. Cinnamon consists of the bark of a tropical bay plant, which rolls up into poles when dried. The most important of many species are Ceylon cinnamon (Kaneel), China cinnamon (Cassia) and Cassia vera from Indonesia.