Cinnamon (stick)
Description
Cinnamon (stick) is finely curled bark with a warm, sweet-spicy-woody aroma and a light to dark brown color, which releases an intense scent when ground. It pairs perfectly in both desserts, baked goods, and drinks, as well as in savory dishes — it complements fruits, cereals, coffee and tea, meats in Asian dishes, stews and marinades, as well as baked dishes and cheeses. Nutritionally, a stick of cinnamon provides small amounts of fiber and minerals such as manganese, calcium, and iron, and its main compounds (e.g., cinnamaldehyde) have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties; it may also support glycemic control with moderate use. Store sticks in an airtight, dark, and cool place away from moisture and heat to retain their aroma for up to a year or longer; with frequent use, it is advisable to choose Ceylon cinnamon, which has a lower coumarin content.
