Cinnamon stick (for decoration)
Description
A cinnamon stick for decoration is a hard, twisted piece of bark with a warm, sweet-spicy aroma and a brown, scaly surface that adds elegance and a pleasant scent to dishes. The flavor is intense, slightly sweet with a spicy note, and visually, the stick serves as a classic accent in drinks and desserts. From a nutritional standpoint, cinnamon provides trace amounts of minerals and is rich in antioxidants; the compounds it contains (e.g., cinnamaldehyde) have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and may support blood sugar control when used in moderation. In the kitchen, a cinnamon stick pairs well with hot drinks, compotes, mulled wine, puddings, and stews, also serving as a stirrer to balance sweetness. To preserve the aroma, store sticks in an airtight container, away from light, moisture, and high temperatures; whole bark retains intensity much longer than ground cinnamon. When choosing, it is worth considering the Ceylon variety for its lower coumarin content.