Brenda Khan
Cinnamon is a spice with a distinct taste and aroma that can be added to a variety of dishes to enhance their flavour. It is derived from the inner bark of certain evergreen trees from the genus Cinnamomum (cinnamon tree). The bark is dried to form cinnamon sticks, which can be ground into cinnamon powder. Cinnamon has a long history of use, dating back to ancient Egypt, and is known for its potential health benefits, including its antioxidant, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. In this article, we will explore the different ways to incorporate cinnamon into your diet and discover the potential health benefits associated with this versatile spice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cinnamon types | Ceylon cinnamon, Cassia cinnamon |
| Cinnamon health benefits | Anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antioxidant, managing diabetes, reducing cancer cell growth, reducing cholesterol |
| Cinnamon uses | Baking, brewing, cooking, sprinkling, garnishing, grinding |
| Cinnamon pairings | Coffee, tea, juice, milk, soups, stews, curries, chilli, apple crumble, apple pie, bread, granola, yoghurt, smoothies, baby food, dog treats |
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What You'll Learn
Cinnamon in baked goods
Cinnamon is a versatile spice that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. It has a distinct scent and adds a warm, subtly sweet flavour to various foods and beverages. Cinnamon is also packed with powerful antioxidants that can improve your health.
When it comes to baking with cinnamon, the spice can be used in a variety of baked goods, including cakes, cookies, and muffins, bread, and pastries. Here are some tips and techniques for incorporating cinnamon into your baked goods:
Choosing the Right Cinnamon
The type of cinnamon you choose will depend on the desired flavour profile and intensity. There are primarily two types of cinnamon: Ceylon cinnamon and cassia cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon, native to Sri Lanka, has a lighter colour, thinner layers, and a more delicate, floral, and citrusy flavour. It is also softer and easier to grind. On the other hand, cassia cinnamon, which is the more common variety found in grocery stores, has a darker colour, thicker layers, and a stronger, spicier flavour. Vietnamese Saigon cinnamon and Indonesian cinnamon are also bold and intense options, while Indonesian cinnamon specifically has slightly bitter and earthy notes, making it excellent for savoury baked goods.
Mixing Cinnamon with Dry Ingredients
To ensure an even distribution of cinnamon throughout your baked goods, sift the cinnamon into your flour before adding other ingredients. This technique is particularly important when making cakes, cookies, and muffins.
Layering Cinnamon
For a visually appealing treat, layer cinnamon between tiers of batter in cakes or bread. This creates a beautiful swirl effect and pockets of intense cinnamon flavour.
Substituting Cinnamon Forms
You can easily substitute ground cinnamon for cinnamon sticks and vice versa in your recipes. Use half to one teaspoon of ground cinnamon for every cinnamon stick specified in a recipe.
Pairing Cinnamon with Other Spices
Cinnamon pairs well with other savoury spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric. It can be used in savoury baked goods like meat pies and roasted vegetables.
Storing Cinnamon
To keep your cinnamon fresh, store it in a cool, dark place in an airtight container. Buy cinnamon in small quantities and replenish it often.
By following these tips and experimenting with different types of cinnamon, you can create delicious and aromatic cinnamon-infused baked goods.
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Cinnamon in drinks
Cinnamon is a versatile spice that can be added to both sweet and savoury dishes. It has a distinctive fragrance and warming quality, making it a perfect ingredient for winter drinks.
Cinnamon in Tea
Cinnamon can be added to tea to give it a warming kick. A simple way to do this is to infuse sugar and water with cinnamon sticks to make a syrup, which can then be mixed into tea. Alternatively, you could sprinkle ground cinnamon on top of your tea.
Cinnamon in Coffee
Cinnamon can be added to coffee in a similar way to tea, by sprinkling ground cinnamon on top of the drink. You could also add a cinnamon syrup to your coffee, or swap out the simple syrup in a coffee cocktail for a syrup of your choice.
Cinnamon in Cocktails
Cinnamon is a great addition to cocktails, providing a warm and subtly sweet flavour. You could make a syrup with cinnamon and add it to your cocktail, or garnish your cocktail with a cinnamon stick. If you want a stronger cinnamon flavour, you could infuse your alcohol with cinnamon sticks, or even torch a cinnamon stick and place it under a bowl to let the smoke waft over your drink.
Cinnamon in Other Drinks
Cinnamon can be added to hot chocolate, giving it a heady sweet spice. It can also be added to Horchata, a traditional drink made with rice, cinnamon, sugar and water, to give it an earthy flavour. Cinnamon is also a great addition to milk, providing a stronger flavour than when added to water.
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Cinnamon in desserts
Cinnamon is a versatile spice that can be used in a variety of dessert recipes, adding a warm and subtly sweet flavour. Here are some ideas for incorporating cinnamon into your dessert creations:
Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Desserts
Cinnamon and apple is a classic combination that evokes the cosy flavours of autumn. Try making apple pie with a graham cracker crust, filled with cooked apples and topped with a crumble topping. Alternatively, create apple pie cookies with a soft cinnamon cookie base and apple pie filling, or apple fritters made with fresh apples and cinnamon, glazed and ready in just 30 minutes. For a quicker option, use store-bought or homemade puff pastry and fill it with a delicious cinnamon-spiced apple pie filling.
Cinnamon Rolls and Cakes
Cinnamon rolls are a beloved breakfast treat, but they can also be transformed into a comforting dessert. Try making a cinnamon roll cheesecake or giving them a twist in a slow cooker for an old-fashioned dessert. For a cake option, a cinnamon roll-inspired cake is a delicious way to start the day, or opt for a cinnamon crumb cake with a rich, buttery crumb and a cinnamon topping.
Cookies and Biscotti
There are endless cookie creations to explore, from chewy peanut butter cinnamon cookies to crunchy cinnamon sugar pretzel bites. For a festive twist, make cinnamon hazelnut biscotti, perfect for dunking in coffee or hot cocoa. If you're feeling adventurous, try cinnamon toast crunch cookies, a snickerdoodle-style treat topped with cream cheese frosting and cereal.
Other Sweet Treats
Cinnamon can be added to a variety of other desserts, such as carrot cake, churros, and rice pudding flavoured with maple, cinnamon, and brown sugar. For a show-stopping dessert, try a creamy creation with a cinnamon-spiced apple slice topping and a homemade oat-and-walnut crust.
With its warm and inviting flavour, cinnamon is a versatile spice that enhances a wide range of desserts, making it a popular choice for bakers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
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Cinnamon in soups
Cinnamon is a spice with a distinct scent and flavour that can be added to both sweet and savoury dishes. It is known to offer several health benefits, including providing powerful antioxidant effects. Cinnamon can be added to purees, juices, milk, tea, coffee, and even soups.
The cinnamon carrot soup recipe involves adding carrots, potatoes, shallots or onions, vegetable broth, thyme, pepper, and cinnamon to a saucepan. After boiling and simmering the ingredients, they are pureed until smooth, and the cinnamon is added. The remaining shallots are then sautéed in butter and added to the soup.
The roasted sweet potato cinnamon soup is another vegan and gluten-free option. This soup involves roasting sweet potatoes, frying onions, and blending the ingredients with cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. The soup is then garnished with roasted chickpeas, parsley, and olive oil.
For a heartier option, cinnamon soup with chicken can be made by first creating a chicken stock with chicken parts, onions, and spices. Chicken meat is then fried in butter and added to the stock with ground almonds and cinnamon. This soup is allowed to simmer until it thickens, creating a warm and comforting dish.
These soup recipes showcase the versatility of cinnamon and how it can enhance the flavour of both savoury and sweet dishes.
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Cinnamon in baby food
Cinnamon is a spice that can add a warm and subtly sweet flavour to meals. It is packed with powerful antioxidants that can improve your health. Cinnamon can be added to both sweet and savoury dishes, including baby food.
Cinnamon is generally regarded as safe to give to your baby in small amounts after they turn 6 months old. Cinnamon is good for digestion and improves the digestive capacity of a baby. It protects the stomach lining, preventing digestive juices from harming it. Cinnamon can also be used to treat digestive issues like indigestion, flatulence, abdominal cramps, and intestinal spasms. It is also an immunity booster and protects children from common infections such as colds and stomach bugs. Cinnamon also possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which promote faster healing of wounds and bone fractures.
If you are introducing cinnamon to your baby's diet, it is better to first check for allergies by doing a skin patch test at the paediatrician's clinic. Cinnamon allergies are uncommon, but they can upset the gastrointestinal tract and lead to diarrhoea, stomach cramping, and vomiting. In severe cases, babies can go into anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening.
If your baby is not allergic, you may add cinnamon to their diet as a seasoning or tempering agent. Cinnamon can be sprinkled over purees or breakfast cereals like oatmeal as a flavouring agent. Cinnamon can also be added to foods such as eggs and fish once your baby begins to eat them. Cinnamon sticks can be used to add flavour to purees, as steaming apples with a cinnamon stick will lightly flavour the fruit.
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Frequently asked questions
Cinnamon is packed with powerful antioxidants that can improve your health. It may also be beneficial in managing type 2 diabetes and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
A typical dose of cinnamon to help manage diabetes is around one to two grams a day or half a teaspoon. However, consuming too much cinnamon can be harmful to your liver, so talk to your doctor before incorporating it into your diet.
Cinnamon can be added to both sweet and savoury dishes. It can be used in baked goods, sweets, breakfast cereals, and beverages such as coffee, tea, and juices. It pairs well with fruits such as apples and strawberries, and can also be added to soups and curries.
Some simple recipes that include cinnamon are apple crumble, cinnamon bread pudding, zucchini bread, and protein pancakes. Cinnamon can also be added to smoothies or oatmeal for a quick and healthy breakfast option.
There are two main types of cinnamon: Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon is native to Sri Lanka and has a light brown colour and delicate aroma. It is softer and easier to grind than Cassia cinnamon, which has a stronger smell and is made of thicker bark.
