Leena Watts
Ceylon cinnamon, also known as true cinnamon, is a popular spice with a distinctive shape, lighter colour, delicate taste, and properties that may contribute to a person's health. It is primarily grown in Sri Lanka and is available in various forms, including sticks, powder, capsules, and extracts. While it is generally safe to consume in small amounts, it is important to be cautious about cinnamon supplements, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have liver problems. Here are some ways to incorporate Ceylon cinnamon into your diet:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Forms | Ground, powder, sticks, capsules, extracts, cinnamon water, tea |
| Uses | Seasoning for savoury and sweet foods, e.g. chai lattes, cinnamon rolls, pumpkin pie, curry, mulled cider, meat rubs, hot chocolate |
| Health Benefits | May reduce inflammation, manage blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, aid weight loss, reduce cancer risk, improve memory and cognitive function |
| Safety | Generally safe in small amounts, but may cause stomachaches, allergic reactions, mouth and lip sores, skin irritation |
| Pregnancy | Enjoy in moderation, avoid cinnamon supplements |
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What You'll Learn
- Add Ceylon cinnamon to hot drinks like chai lattes, hot chocolate, and tea
- Sprinkle ground Ceylon cinnamon on desserts like pumpkin pie and cinnamon rolls
- Use Ceylon cinnamon in cooking, such as in curries and meat rubs
- Try cinnamon supplements, capsules, or extracts
- Ceylon cinnamon is a healthy alternative to the common Cassia cinnamon
Add Ceylon cinnamon to hot drinks like chai lattes, hot chocolate, and tea
Adding Ceylon cinnamon to your hot drinks is a great way to incorporate it into your diet. Not only is cinnamon delicious, but it may also have health benefits.
Chai Latte
To make a chai latte, heat some milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once it starts to simmer, turn off the heat and add a tea bag. Let the tea steep for 4-5 minutes, then remove the tea bag. Turn the heat back up to medium and add half a teaspoon of cinnamon, along with other spices such as ginger, cloves, cardamom, and vanilla. Whisk everything together until it's hot, and then pour it into a mug. You can also top it off with extra milk foam and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Hot Chocolate
To make a cinnamon hot chocolate, heat milk and chocolate chips together in a medium pot over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate has melted (about 5 minutes). Then, add cocoa powder, half a teaspoon of cinnamon, and other spices like nutmeg. Stir for 3 minutes, and then pour it into a mug. You can serve it with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick for garnish.
Tea
There are several ways to make Ceylon cinnamon tea. One way is to add half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder to a cup of hot water, steep for 2-3 minutes, strain, and serve. You can also use a tea bag, steeping it for about 5 minutes. You can also make cinnamon milk by heating a cup of milk with half a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg, and you can add other ingredients like turmeric, ginger, or lemon.
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Sprinkle ground Ceylon cinnamon on desserts like pumpkin pie and cinnamon rolls
Ceylon cinnamon is a great way to add flavour and potential health benefits to your diet. It is the only type of cinnamon that is grown in Sri Lanka, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. It has a distinctive shape, lighter colour, and delicate taste, and is often referred to as "true cinnamon".
One way to incorporate Ceylon cinnamon into your diet is by sprinkling ground cinnamon on desserts like pumpkin pie and cinnamon rolls. Pumpkin pie is a classic autumn dessert that can be enhanced by the addition of Ceylon cinnamon. The warm, sweet flavour of cinnamon complements the pumpkin spice notes in the pie. Cinnamon rolls are another dessert that can be elevated by the use of Ceylon cinnamon. The ground cinnamon can be added to the dough or sprinkled on top of the rolls before baking, providing a toasty, sweet flavour.
When making cinnamon rolls, you can also get creative with different fillings and toppings. Some people like to wrap the rolls around skewers and warm them over a fire, brushing them with butter and sprinkling them with sugar and spice. Others enjoy experimenting with different fillings, such as cinnamon-spiced apple slices or a peanut-packed candy filling.
Ceylon cinnamon is a versatile spice that can be used in a variety of desserts and baked goods. It adds a unique flavour and potential health benefits, making it a great choice for those looking to add a warm, sweet spice to their diet. However, it's important to consume Ceylon cinnamon in moderation, as too much can cause stomachaches or allergic reactions.
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Use Ceylon cinnamon in cooking, such as in curries and meat rubs
Ceylon cinnamon, also known as Cinnamomum verum or true cinnamon, is a lighter, sweeter, and less pungent variety of cinnamon than the more common cassia cinnamon. It is primarily grown in Sri Lanka, which provides about 80% of the world's supply, and it is known for its potential health benefits.
Ceylon cinnamon is a versatile spice that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. Its distinct flavour and aroma make it a popular ingredient in baking and cooking. Here are some ways to incorporate Ceylon cinnamon into your cooking, specifically in curries and meat rubs:
Curries
Cinnamon is an essential spice for curries, adding depth of flavour and a unique aroma. It pairs well with other spices commonly used in curries, such as ginger, turmeric, and cumin. When adding Ceylon cinnamon to your curry, consider using either the powdered form or the sticks. For best results, add the powdered cinnamon while cooking your curry, allowing it to infuse into the sauce. Alternatively, you can add a cinnamon stick to the curry while it simmers, imparting a subtle cinnamon flavour. Remember to remove the stick before serving, as it is not meant to be eaten whole!
Meat Rubs
Ceylon cinnamon is an excellent ingredient to use in meat rubs, adding a unique flavour dimension to your grilled or roasted meats. Create a dry rub by mixing ground Ceylon cinnamon with other spices like paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried herbs. Apply this rub generously to your choice of meat, such as chicken, pork, or beef, and let it sit for a few hours or even overnight before cooking. The cinnamon will help tenderise the meat while infusing it with flavour. You can also make a wet rub by mixing the spices with a liquid base like olive oil, mustard, or vinegar, which can help adhere the spices to the meat and add extra moisture during cooking.
In addition to curries and meat rubs, Ceylon cinnamon can be used in a variety of other dishes. It is commonly used in baked goods, such as cinnamon rolls, apple cinnamon muffins, and pancakes. It also pairs well with chocolate, making it a delightful addition to hot chocolate or as a topping for brownies or truffles. For a refreshing beverage, try making mulled cider by stirring a cinnamon stick into warm apple cider, or add a dash of cinnamon to your chai latte for a spicy twist.
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Try cinnamon supplements, capsules, or extracts
Cinnamon is available in various forms, and you can easily incorporate it into your diet through supplements, capsules, or extracts.
Ceylon cinnamon supplements are a convenient way to consume cinnamon and potentially benefit from its health properties. Cinnamon supplements are typically available in capsule or pill form, making them easy to take on the go. These supplements contain concentrated amounts of cinnamon, and you can take them daily as directed on the product label or as recommended by a healthcare professional.
Cinnamon capsules are another option. These capsules contain ground cinnamon powder and are usually made from vegetarian or gelatin capsules. You can purchase these capsules from health food stores or online retailers. When choosing cinnamon capsules, opt for reputable brands that provide transparent information about their sourcing and manufacturing processes.
Cinnamon extracts are also available, and they offer a more concentrated form of cinnamon. You can find liquid cinnamon extracts or highly concentrated cinnamon oils. These extracts can be added to beverages or other foods to fortify them with cinnamon's potential health benefits.
It is important to note that while cinnamon is generally considered safe, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating any new supplement into your diet, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or are taking medication. Additionally, pregnant individuals should enjoy cinnamon in moderation as part of their diet but avoid cinnamon supplements unless otherwise advised by their healthcare provider.
When purchasing cinnamon supplements, capsules, or extracts, it is essential to ensure that you are getting Ceylon cinnamon, as other varieties, such as Cassia cinnamon, may have higher levels of coumarin, which can be harmful in large amounts. Always read the labels carefully and consider contacting the manufacturer to confirm the type of cinnamon used in their products.
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Ceylon cinnamon is a healthy alternative to the common Cassia cinnamon
Cinnamon is a popular spice that is not only delicious but also has many health benefits. There are two main types of cinnamon: Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon, also known as Chinese cinnamon, is the most common variety and is widely available in most supermarkets. It is very cheap and has a strong, spicy flavour. On the other hand, Ceylon cinnamon, also known as "true cinnamon", is less common and has a delicate and mildly sweet flavour. It is quite expensive compared to Cassia cinnamon.
Ceylon cinnamon is a healthier alternative to Cassia cinnamon for regular consumption due to its lower coumarin content. Coumarin is a natural flavouring agent that can cause liver damage in high doses. While both types of cinnamon have health benefits, Cassia cinnamon contains significantly higher amounts of coumarin, which can be toxic to the liver if consumed in large amounts or over a long period. Therefore, Cassia cinnamon should be consumed in moderation, whereas Ceylon cinnamon is considered safer for regular consumption.
Ceylon cinnamon has a distinctive shape, lighter colour, and finer texture than Cassia cinnamon. It is native to Sri Lanka and southern parts of India, while Cassia cinnamon is mainly grown in China and Indonesia. Ceylon cinnamon has a mild, complex, and fruity flavour with notes of citrus and flowers, making it ideal for sweet dishes such as cakes, cookies, puddings, and fruit desserts. In contrast, Cassia cinnamon has a stronger, more intense, and spicy flavour, making it better suited for savoury dishes such as curries, meat dishes, and baked goods.
Ceylon cinnamon has several potential health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce symptoms of chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. It may also aid in lowering cholesterol, regulating blood sugar levels, managing blood pressure, and strengthening the immune system. Some studies suggest that Ceylon cinnamon may even have anticancer properties, although more research is needed to confirm these benefits.
Ceylon cinnamon can be added to your diet in various ways. It can be used in sweet and savoury dishes, such as chai lattes, cinnamon rolls, pumpkin pie, curries, and meat rubs. It can also be boiled in water with honey or lemon to make a cinnamon tea. When buying cinnamon, pay attention to its origin and quality to ensure you are getting genuine Ceylon cinnamon. Fine spice suppliers or upscale culinary stores typically carry powdered Ceylon cinnamon.
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Frequently asked questions
Ceylon cinnamon is a type of cinnamon that comes from the bark of an evergreen tree. It is primarily grown in Sri Lanka and is known as "true cinnamon". It has a distinctive shape, lighter colour, delicate taste, and properties that may contribute to a person's health.
The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in Ceylon cinnamon provide significant health benefits. It is full of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A, an important nutrient for eye health. Ceylon cinnamon may also help reduce inflammation, manage blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, and control blood pressure.
Ceylon cinnamon is available in various forms, including ground cinnamon, cinnamon sticks, capsules, and extracts. You can add ground Ceylon cinnamon to beverages like chai lattes and hot chocolate, or use cinnamon sticks to stir drinks like mulled cider. It can also be used in baking, such as cinnamon rolls and pumpkin pie, or as a seasoning in curries and meat rubs.
