Grocery
Ground Cinnamon Spice
What it is
This is a finely ground spice derived from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum. It is a common ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes worldwide. The spice has a warm, sweet, and woody aroma and flavor. It is often used as a flavoring agent in baked goods, desserts, and beverages. It can also be found in some savory dishes, particularly in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisines.
How people cook with it
Ground cinnamon is a versatile spice that adds warmth and depth to many recipes.
- Baking cakes and cookies
- Flavoring oatmeal and yogurt
- Spicing up coffee and tea
- Adding warmth to stews and curries
Ground cinnamon can be added directly to batters, doughs, and mixtures during preparation. It is often combined with sugar for sweet applications or with other spices for more complex flavor profiles. When baking, it is typically mixed into dry ingredients or creamed with butter and sugar. For beverages, a pinch can be stirred in to enhance the aroma and taste. In savory cooking, it is often sautéed with aromatics like onions and garlic or added later in the cooking process to infuse its flavor into sauces and broths.
How it differs from similar foods
Ground cinnamon offers a consistent texture and flavor compared to whole cinnamon sticks. While sticks release their flavor more slowly and are often used for infusing liquids, ground cinnamon disperses readily, providing an immediate and even distribution of its characteristic taste and aroma throughout a dish.
Who it is for
Home cooks and professional chefs use ground cinnamon to enhance the flavor of a wide variety of foods.
How to keep the rest
To maintain its freshness and potency, store ground cinnamon in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place. Avoid exposure to heat, light, and moisture, which can degrade its flavor over time. Properly stored, it can retain its quality for several months.