Welcome to 13 Days of Spices. A series where we cover 13 different spices over 13 days from December 8 – 20. For Day 1, we are starting off with Cinnamon. Cinnamon is one of the most common pantry spices. You may already have cinnamon in your spice rack in either the ground or stick form.

Cinnamon is one of the most popular spices. Odds are that you have a jar of cinnamon in your spice rack – either in the stick or the powdered form.

Cinnamon has a warm, slightly sweet, and spicy flavor.

There are several species of cinnamon with Cassia and Ceylon cinnamon being the most popular.

Cassia – Cassia is the top commercial species of cinnamon. The strong flavor is most useful in baking.

Ceylon – Ceylon sometime referred to as “true cinnamon” is not common as it`s more popular species, Cassia.

Cinnamon Powder

Cinnamon powder is a ground spice made from the inner bark of the cinnamon tree. This form of cinnamon is what you will use in baking and most recipes rather than the cinnamon bark itself. The powder is easier to incorporate and packs a rich, sweet flavor.

Here are a few recipes that call for cinnamon powder in the ingredient list:

Apple Walnut Crisp

Cranberry Oat Crumble Bars

Maple Tahini Energy Balls

Cinnamon Stick

Cinnamon Stick is the actual bark form of cinnamon, that is why you might see some cinnamon stick labels as cinnamon bark. The difference might be in the shape.

The sticks made from Cassia cinnamon looks like rolled cinnamon rolls while the stick made from Ceylon cinnamon resembles shredded wood or quills.

Cinnamon sticks are typically used when there is boiling involved in the cooking process. Boiling the cinnamon sticks releases the natural flavor using heat which thoroughly infuses the liquid.

FUN FACT: Cinnamon was more valuable than gold as it was part of the spice trade.

Cinnamon is used in both sweet and savory cooking, so don`t be alarmed if you see cinnamon as one of the ingredients in a savory spice blend.

Health Benefits of Cinnamon:

I am not a doctor. This information is not meant to replace or act in place of medical advice. Consult your doctor before making any changes.

Antiseptic – cinnamon contains a substance that kills various bacteria, fungi, and microorganisms.

Pain Reliever

Promotes Digestion

Natural Cleanser

Cinnamon may lower blood sugar and blood pressure levels.

Featured Recipe:

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