Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a warm, sweet spice that is used in both sweet and savory dishes. It is derived from the inner bark of trees from the genus Cinnamomum. While cinnamon is available throughout the year, its peak season is during the winter months. It is a key ingredient in many spice blends and is prevalent in the cuisines of the Middle East, South Asia, and Latin America. Cinnamon sticks and ground cinnamon are the most common forms used in cooking, adding depth and warmth to dishes such as curries, stews, and baked goods.

Cinnamon Synonyms

Cassia
Ceylon cinnamon
sweet cinnamon
true cinnamon

Cinnamon Substitutes

Different Forms/Types of Cinnamon

Cinnamon Chips

Small pieces of cinnamon sticks, often used in baking for a burst of cinnamon flavor without the texture of the whole stick.

Ground Cinnamon

This is cinnamon sticks that have been ground to a fine powder for convenience and is commonly used in baking and cooking.

Whole Cinnamon Sticks

Cinnamon sticks are the bark of the cinnamon tree that has been rolled, dried, and cured. They can be used whole or ground into powder.

How to Choose Cinnamon

When choosing cinnamon, consider the type: Ceylon (true cinnamon) or Cassia (commonly found and stronger in flavor). Ceylon cinnamon is lighter in color and has a delicate, sweet flavor, while Cassia is darker and has a more pungent taste. Look for cinnamon that has a sweet, woody aroma and a warm, spicy taste. Avoid cinnamon that looks dull and lacks aroma, as it may be stale.

Cooking/Prep Tips for Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a warm, aromatic spice that can add depth and complexity to a variety of dishes. For intermediate and expert home cooks, it's important to understand the different types of cinnamon and their uses. Ceylon cinnamon, also known as 'true cinnamon,' is milder and ideal for delicate desserts, while Cassia cinnamon is stronger and better suited for robust dishes. When using cinnamon sticks, toasting them lightly in a dry pan can help release their essential oils and enhance their flavor. Ground cinnamon should be used with a light hand to avoid overpowering a dish, and it's best added towards the end of cooking to preserve its volatile aromatics. Remember, cinnamon's flavor can diminish over time, so ensure your cinnamon is fresh for the best results.

Shelf Life of Cinnamon

Store cinnamon sticks in a cool, dark place in an airtight container to protect them from moisture and preserve their aroma. Ground cinnamon should also be stored in an airtight container but can lose its potency faster than sticks. Use ground cinnamon within six months for best flavor, while sticks can last up to a year or more. Check for freshness by smelling the cinnamon; if it no longer has a strong scent, it's time to replace it.

Recommended Brands for Cinnamon

Cassia Cinnamon: Simply Organic

Ceylon Cinnamon: Frontier Co-op

Ground Cinnamon: McCormick

Cooking Techniques for Cinnamon

Baking: Cinnamon is a staple in baking, used in recipes for cinnamon rolls, cakes, and cookies. It's often combined with sugar to create a sweet and spicy mixture that's perfect for dusting or filling pastries.

Toasting: Toasting cinnamon sticks in a dry pan over medium heat can enhance their flavor. This is particularly useful when infusing cinnamon into liquids for beverages or poaching fruits.

Simmering: Cinnamon sticks are commonly simmered in liquids for teas, mulled wine, or ciders. This slow cooking method allows the cinnamon to infuse the liquid with its warm, spicy flavor.

Popular Cinnamon Recipes

Cinnamon Rolls
Apple Cinnamon Pie
Snickerdoodle Cookies

Cinnamon Nutritional Information (100g)

fat: 1.24 g
fiber: 53.1 g
sugar: 2.17 g
protein: 3.99 g
calories: 247 kcal
carbohydrates: 80.59 g

Flavor Combinations

Cinnamon pairs beautifully with sweet ingredients like apples, pears, and chocolate, as well as with savory ones such as lamb, pork, and chicken. It complements other spices like nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. In savory dishes, cinnamon can be balanced with acidic components like tomatoes or citrus to create a complex flavor profile. It's also commonly used in spice blends such as garam masala and Chinese five-spice powder.

Allergen Information

Cinnamon allergies are rare but can cause reactions such as skin irritation or respiratory issues. Those with a known allergy should avoid cinnamon and its derivatives.