What type of botanical typically includes spices like cinnamon and cassia?

The correct answer is that bark is the type of botanical that typically includes spices like cinnamon and cassia. Both of these spices are derived from the inner bark of trees belonging to the Cinnamomum genus. The harvesting process involves stripping away the outer layer of bark, allowing the inner bark to dry and curl into the familiar quills we recognize as cinnamon sticks.

Bark serves as a protective layer for trees and often contains essential oils that contribute to the distinct flavors and aromas associated with these spices. In culinary and medicinal contexts, the use of bark can impart unique characteristics to various dishes and remedies, making it an important botanical category.

While seeds and beans can also contribute to spice profiles, they fundamentally differ from bark in terms of botanical structure and flavor contributions. Roots are typically associated with different flavor profiles, and herbs generally refer to the leafy green parts of plants rather than the woody structures that bark represents.