Mespilodaphne quixos -Ishpingo Leaves-

Description

Latin name:  Mespilodaphne quixos
Also know as: Ishpingo, American cinnamon, Ocotea quixos, ispinku, Flor de Canela

Origin: Equador
Supplier-ID: HA-2122Z

Ishpingo, also known as American cinnamon or Ocotea quixos, is a South American tree in the Lauraceae family native to Ecuador and Colombia. The leaves are used as a culinary spice and are valued for their aromatic qualities and flavor-enhancing properties, particularly their warm, spicy-sweet flavor reminiscent of cinnamon. Ishpingo’s leaves are also used to make a tea and essential oil.

The name “Ishpingo” comes from the Southern Quechua language (ispinku) or the Kichwa language (ishpinku), referring to the flower. The leaves are commonly used as a spice, adding a cinnamon-like flavor to dishes like mazamorra morada (purple pudding) and La Colada Morada, a traditional Ecuadorian drink.

Additional information