Guìpí is the Chinese word for cinnamon, a fragrant spice derived from tree bark, widely used in both sweet and savory dishes.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Cinnamon bark used as a spice.
- Sweet, warm flavor for cooking and baking.
- Common in desserts, stews, and teas.
Overview
桂皮，学名肉桂（Cinnamomum cassia），是一种广泛使用的香料，来源于肉桂树的树皮。它以其独特的甜香、微辣和温暖的风味而闻名，是世界各地许多菜肴和甜点的重要组成部分。桂皮不仅能增添食物的美味，在传统医学中也有一定的应用。在中国，桂皮自古以来就是一种重要的调味品和药材。
桂皮的使用方式多样。在烹饪方面，它可以是整根的树皮，也可以是磨成粉末的形态。整根桂皮常用于炖煮肉类（如红烧肉、炖牛肉）或煮汤，以释放其温和的香气。磨成粉的桂皮则更常用于烘焙，如制作肉桂卷、饼干、蛋糕，或撒在咖啡、燕麦粥上增加风味。它也可以用于制作饮品，如肉桂茶或甜酒。
桂皮最常见的语境包括：
**饮品店**：制作特色饮品，如热红酒。
与桂皮（肉桂）相似的词语主要有：
- 香叶 (Bay Leaf)：香叶也常用于炖煮，但它的味道更偏向草本和略带苦涩，与桂皮的甜香温暖截然不同。
- 八角 (Star Anise)：八角有强烈的甘草味和茴香味，形状独特，常用于炖肉和卤味，其风味比桂皮更浓烈和突出。
- 丁香 (Clove)：丁香味道非常浓烈，带有甜辣和麻麻的口感，用量需谨慎，常与桂皮搭配使用，但单独使用时风味差异很大。
这些香料虽然都用于增添风味，但它们的味道、香气和用途都有显著的区别。桂皮的特点在于其温和的甜香和温暖感。
Examples
红烧肉里放一小块桂皮，味道会更香。
everydayAdding a small piece of cinnamon bark to braised pork makes it more fragrant.
这款苹果派使用了大量的肉桂粉（桂皮粉），风味浓郁。
food reviewThis apple pie uses a generous amount of ground cinnamon (guìpí powder), resulting in a rich flavor.
冬天喝一杯热红酒，里面就应该有桂皮。
informalA cup of mulled wine in winter should definitely include cinnamon.
在传统中药学中，桂皮常被用于温中散寒。
academicIn traditional Chinese medicine, cinnamon bark is often used to warm the middle and dispel cold.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
加点桂皮
Add some cinnamon
桂皮的香气
The aroma of cinnamon
闻起来像桂皮
Smells like cinnamon
Often Confused With
Bay leaves provide a more herbaceous, slightly bitter aroma, often used in stocks and stews, whereas cinnamon (guìpí) offers a sweet, warm, and spicy fragrance essential for desserts and braised dishes.
Star anise has a strong, distinct licorice-like flavor and aroma, commonly used in Chinese braising liquids and pho. Guìpí's flavor is sweeter and warmer, less pungent than star anise.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Guìpí is a versatile spice. In cooking, it's often used in combination with other spices like star anise and cloves, especially in braised meat dishes. In baking, ground guìpí is very popular, often paired with sugar and butter. Its usage ranges from everyday home cooking to professional culinary applications.
Common Mistakes
Some learners might confuse guìpí with other strong spices like star anise or cloves, using it in inappropriate quantities. It's also important to distinguish between true cinnamon and cassia, though in everyday Chinese usage, 'guìpí' generally refers to cassia cinnamon.
Tips
Use Cinnamon Sparingly
While delicious, cinnamon has a strong flavor. Start with a small amount and add more if needed to avoid overpowering your dish.
Check for Quality
Ensure you are buying true cinnamon (Ceylon cinnamon) or cassia cinnamon, as other barks may be sold as cinnamon but lack the desired flavor or safety.
Aromatic Spice in Asia
Cinnamon has been prized in Asian cultures for centuries, not just for its taste but also for its perceived medicinal properties and pleasant aroma.
Word Origin
The Chinese word '桂皮' (guìpí) literally translates to 'osmanthus bark'. While osmanthus and cinnamon are different plants, both have fragrant properties, and historically, 'gui' might have broadly referred to aromatic barks. The more specific term '肉桂' (ròu guì) also refers to cinnamon.
Cultural Context
Cinnamon has been used in China for thousands of years, appearing in ancient texts and traditional medicine. It's considered a warming spice, often associated with comforting dishes and festive occasions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'gui' (ghost) trying to hide inside a 'pi' (pie) because it smells so deliciously sweet and warm from the cinnamon!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions是的，在中国，“桂皮”通常就是指“肉桂”。它们都来源于樟科肉桂属植物的树皮，是同一种香料。
桂皮主要用作烹饪和烘焙的香料，为食物增添甜美温暖的风味。它也用于一些饮品和传统医学。
桂皮的味道是甜的，带有温暖的辛香味。它不像有些香料那样刺激，而是给人一种舒适、香甜的感觉。
你可以在超市的香料区、食品调味品店或者在线购物平台上买到桂皮，有整根的也有磨成粉的。
Test Yourself
我喜欢在早上喝咖啡时撒一点____粉。
咖啡中常加入桂皮粉来增加风味。
关于桂皮，下列哪项描述是正确的？
桂皮以其甜香而闻名，是许多烘焙食品（如肉桂卷）的重要调味料。
词语：红烧肉，桂皮，炖，味道，增添
这个选项结构完整，逻辑清晰，准确地表达了桂皮在红烧肉中的作用。
Score: /3
Summary
Guìpí is the Chinese word for cinnamon, a fragrant spice derived from tree bark, widely used in both sweet and savory dishes.
- Cinnamon bark used as a spice.
- Sweet, warm flavor for cooking and baking.
- Common in desserts, stews, and teas.
Use Cinnamon Sparingly
While delicious, cinnamon has a strong flavor. Start with a small amount and add more if needed to avoid overpowering your dish.
Check for Quality
Ensure you are buying true cinnamon (Ceylon cinnamon) or cassia cinnamon, as other barks may be sold as cinnamon but lack the desired flavor or safety.
Aromatic Spice in Asia
Cinnamon has been prized in Asian cultures for centuries, not just for its taste but also for its perceived medicinal properties and pleasant aroma.
Examples
4 of 4红烧肉里放一小块桂皮，味道会更香。
Adding a small piece of cinnamon bark to braised pork makes it more fragrant.
这款苹果派使用了大量的肉桂粉（桂皮粉），风味浓郁。
This apple pie uses a generous amount of ground cinnamon (guìpí powder), resulting in a rich flavor.
冬天喝一杯热红酒，里面就应该有桂皮。
A cup of mulled wine in winter should definitely include cinnamon.
在传统中药学中，桂皮常被用于温中散寒。
In traditional Chinese medicine, cinnamon bark is often used to warm the middle and dispel cold.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More food words
一斤
B1Half a kilogram; a Chinese unit of weight (approx. 500g).
一两
B1Fifty grams; a Chinese unit of weight (approx. 50g).
AA制
A2To split the bill; go Dutch.
一袋
B1A bag of.
一口
B1A mouthful; a bite; a small amount (of food or drink).
少一点儿
A2A bit less.
多一点儿
A2A bit more.
一瓶
B1A bottle of.
一碗
B1Measure word for a bowl of food.
一盒
B1A box of.
