Cinnamon quills or sticks are tan-coloured curled strips from the bark of the cinnamon tree. This bark is ground to make ground cinnamon. Cinnamon has a highly perfumed aroma and flavour. It is used in Indian cooking to deliver a sweet note to spice mixes used in curries (especially meat curries) and rice dishes, and is one of the spices used in the making of garam masala. The cinnamon quill is often dry-roasted or fried in oil to release its flavours before adding it to a dish and is not meant to be eaten, so remove before serving.