Cinnamon

Description

Cinnamon is an intensely aromatic spice with a warm, sweet-spicy flavor and a characteristic reddish-brown color; it comes in the form of thin, rolled sticks (popular Ceylon cinnamon or stronger cassia) and finely ground powder, which easily releases its aroma when heated. From a nutritional standpoint, cinnamon provides trace amounts of fiber, minerals, and bioactive compounds, primarily cinnamaldehyde, which exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects; it may also help in moderate regulation of blood sugar levels, although caution is advised with high doses of cassia due to its coumarin content. In the kitchen, cinnamon pairs wonderfully with fruits, desserts, bread, coffee and tea, as well as meat in Asian and Mediterranean dishes, adding depth and sweetness. Store it tightly closed in a cool, dark, and dry place; sticks retain their aroma much longer than ground powder.