How to Choose the Right Cinnamon Product for Your Application
Ground, stick, or extracts – cinnamon is a spice that’s available in many different forms. From the fine dusting, bakers use on their cinnamon buns to an elegant stir stick in beverages, it’s a ubiquitous spice that offers warmth and a bit of a kick.
If you've ever wondered which cinnamon product will best deliver the flavor you crave, the perfect texture in your recipe, or offer the most value, you're in the right place. This guide will navigate you through the different forms of cinnamon to help you make the ideal choice for any application.
How to Choose Cinnamon Products: From Ground to Powder
Cinnamon is one of the world’s most prized spices that’s used in a multitude of dishes, from cinnamon buns to spicy curries. The spice offers more than its distinct aroma, as it has several health benefits. Cinnamon is packed with antioxidants and may have antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties.
The spice has several different forms: ground, sticks, cuts, extracts, and extract powder. Each product has its own characteristics and ideal applications. How to choose between cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon? Here’s a general guideline that may help you:
| Product Form | Flavor/Aroma Strength | Effect on Product Texture | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground | Moderate | May affect texture | 1 year |
| Sticks | Moderate | No effect on texture | Up to 2 years |
| Cuts | Moderate | No effect on texture | Up to 2 years |
| Extracts | Strongest flavor | Minimal effects on texture | Up to 2 years |
| Extract Powder | Subtle | May affect texture | > 2 years |
Ground Cinnamon: A Staple
Ground cinnamon is one of the most commonly found cinnamon products in the market. This variety is made from dried cinnamon barks that are ground into powder.
It presents a slightly more subtle flavor compared to cinnamon extracts. You may be able to infuse a stronger flavor or aroma by incorporating more ground cinnamon, but keep in mind that it may affect your final product’s texture.
Nevertheless, ground cinnamon has versatile applications and can be used in baked goods, savory dishes, or even in supplements.
Cinnamon Sticks and Cuts: Infusion Must-Haves
Cinnamon sticks are sun-dried cinnamon barks, while cinnamon cuts are the same barks that are cut and sifted. Both varieties can offer a subtle way to infuse flavor into your products.
What makes them different from ground cinnamon is that they won’t change texture, as they can be easily taken out after you’ve reached the desired concentration. That’s why they’re more commonly used in beverages, clear soups, or as garnish.
One bonus point for home cooks is that they can be reused several times until the aroma fades. Wash and dry in between use, and they’ll be ready for another infusion.
Cinnamon Extract: Best for Strong Flavor
If you want a stronger flavor or aroma, cinnamon extract may be your answer. Cinnamon extract is made by soaking cinnamon bark in solutions and packs more flavors compared to other varieties on this list.
You can choose different solutions and concentrations according to your needs. Choose extracts if you want a strong flavor with a smoother texture. This variety can be added to baked goods, beverages, savory dishes, or even fragrance.
Cinnamon Extract Powder: Subtle and Shelf Stable
Cinnamon extract powder is a natural spray-dried form of cinnamon extract. This is a subtler, cost-effective way to include cinnamon flavor into your products. Nevertheless, the powder form may affect the texture of your final product.
The upside is the low moisture content and microbial count, leading to longer product shelf life. Which means it’s perfect for bulk storage and long-term uses.
Tips and Tricks on Inspecting and Storing Cinnamon
When buying cinnamon, there are three things you need to do: check the label, smell it, and check the texture or form. Make sure your cinnamon products have good quality ingredients, a sweet, strong smell, strongly rolled for cinnamon sticks or fine and no clumps for ground or powder cinnamon.
To store your cinnamon in optimum condition, avoid these things: moisture, light, air, and temperature fluctuations. It’s best to keep your cinnamon in an air-tight container, away from sunlight, in a cool, dark place.
Find more information on how to properly pick and store your cinnamon products in this article.
FAQs
How Do You Pick Good Quality Cinnamon?
Check the label and type on the packaging, and make sure you pick the right cinnamon for your application. A good quality cinnamon will have a sweet, strong smell, while old ones will smell musty. A high-quality cinnamon stick is strongly rolled and uniform in size, while ground or powder cinnamon should be fine and have no clumps.
Is Cinnamon Extract Better Than Powder?
Both have different applications. If you need a stronger flavor without affecting the texture of your final product, cinnamon extract is better for you. If you need a more subtle flavor, cinnamon powder is the better choice.
What is the Healthiest Way to Use Cinnamon?
The healthiest way to use cinnamon is to focus on the food rather than the cinnamon products. For example, cinnamon sticks in healthy ginger tea vs in sugary or alcoholic drinks will be much better for you. The same goes for incorporating cinnamon in your protein bars than in pastries or desserts.
What is Cinnamon Extract Used for?
Cinnamon extract can be used for various applications, namely in baked goods, beverages, savory dishes, or even fragrances. It’s known for its stronger aroma and flavor compared to other types of cinnamon products.
Can You Wash and Reuse Cinnamon Sticks?
Generally speaking, yes, you can reuse cinnamon sticks. Wash the cinnamon sticks and dry them out in between uses. Discard when the flavor and/or aroma are already dissipated.
How Can I Tell if My Cinnamon Has Lost Its Potency?
Your cinnamon has lost its potency when there’s a loss of aroma, the color is darkened or faded, and it tastes bitter or off. If it shows any of the three symptoms, it’s time to replace your cinnamon with a new batch.
Final Take: The Right Choice for the Best Results
With its diverse form, cinnamon offers versatility and possibilities. By understanding the unique characteristics of each variety, you can confidently choose the most suitable one for your needs. Lastly, remember to inspect and store your cinnamon thoughtfully to ensure lasting flavor and quality.