Cinnamon stick
Description
A cinnamon stick is a dry, curled piece of bark with a warm brown color and an intense, sweet-spicy aroma with a distinct note of cinnamaldehyde. It has a sweet-spicy flavor with a slight bitterness, dissolving well in fats and liquids, releasing a deep scent that enhances both desserts and savory dishes. It is typically used to flavor beverages, baking, braised meats, curries, and marinades, as well as in breakfast dishes or compotes. Nutritionally, a cinnamon stick provides a small amount of calories, essential oils, and antioxidants such as polyphenols, which may support metabolic health and have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects when used in moderation. To preserve its aroma, store sticks in an airtight container in a cool, dry, and dark place; whole sticks retain flavor much longer than ground cinnamon.
