By Emmett Hickle 
Cinnamon is a spice made from the inner bark of the cinnamon tree and comes in various forms, primarily as sticks or ground powder. It is celebrated for its sweet and warm flavor, making it a popular ingredient in a wide range of culinary creations, from desserts to savory dishes.
What You Need to Know About Cinnamon
Before diving into how to make cinnamon from its raw form, let’s discuss why this spice is so essential, as well as some fascinating facts.
Types of Cinnamon
- Ceylon Cinnamon (True Cinnamon): Mostly found in Sri Lanka, it has a delicate taste and is often more prized than Cassia cinnamon.
- Cassia Cinnamon (Chinese Cinnamon): Commonly found in grocery stores, it is stronger and has a more pungent flavor.
Health Benefits
Cinnamon is renowned for its various health benefits. Here are a few:
- Antioxidant Properties: It’s loaded with antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative damage.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Can reduce inflammation, potentially helping with chronic diseases.
- Regulates Blood Sugar Levels: Can lower blood sugar levels and has a beneficial effect on insulin sensitivity.
Cinnamon Nutritional Information (per 1 teaspoon, ground)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 6 |
| Carbohydrates | 2 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 gram |
| Calcium | 1% Daily Value |
| Iron | 1% Daily Value |
| Manganese | 8% Daily Value |
How to Make Cinnamon Powder from cinnamon sticks
Making your own cinnamon powder is a straightforward process and ensures your spice is fresh and flavorful.
What You’ll Need:
- Cinnamon Sticks
- High-Speed Blender or Spice Grinder
- Sieve or Fine Mesh Strainer
- Airtight Container
Step-by-Step Process
-
Choose Your Cinnamon Sticks: Select quality cinnamon sticks (preferably Ceylon for optimal flavor).
-
Prepare Your Grinder:
- If using a blender, break the cinnamon sticks into smaller pieces for easier grinding.
- For a spice grinder, you can use whole sticks.
-
Grinding the Cinnamon:
- In a blender: Add the broken sticks and blend on high for about 30 seconds. Check the consistency and repeat until you reach a fine powder.
- In a spice grinder: Add sticks, seal the lid, and pulse until they turn into a fine powder.
-
Sifting:
- Using a sieve, sift the ground cinnamon into a bowl to remove any larger particles.
- Put the larger pieces back into the grinder and repeat until all is ground fine.
-
Storing:
- Transfer the homemade cinnamon powder into an airtight container where it can last for several months.
Tips for Grinding Cinnamon
- Always start with small batches.
- When using a blender, add a small amount of sugar to help break down the cinnamon sticks.
Reference Video
Understanding Measurement Conversions
When working with cinnamon in recipes, you may often find yourself needing to convert measurements. Here’s a quick guide:
Cinnamon Stick to Ground Cinnamon Conversion Table
| Cinnamon Sticks | Ground Cinnamon |
|---|---|
| 1 Stick | 1 teaspoon |
| 2 Sticks | 2 teaspoons |
| 1/2 Stick | 1/2 teaspoon |
| 3 Sticks | 1 tablespoon |
How Much Ground Cinnamon Equals One Cinnamon Stick?
- Generally, 1 cinnamon stick is equivalent to about 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Substitutions for cinnamon allergy
For those who may have allergies to cinnamon, you can use a few alternatives that mimic the flavor:
- Nutmeg: Stronger in taste, use sparingly.
- Allspice: Offers a similar warm flavor, can be used spoon for spoon.
- Clove: Provides a spicy sweetness, suitable for baking.
Cinnamon in Different Recipes
Cinnamon can be used across an array of recipes, ranging from sweet to savory dishes.
Cinnamon Recipes to Try
- Cinnamon Rolls: These bakery favorites feature layers of cinnamon and sugar, often topped with icing.
- Cinnamon Tea: Simply steep cinnamon sticks in boiling water for a flavorful herbal tea.
- Spiced Oatmeal: Stir in ground cinnamon to your morning oatmeal for a rich flavor.
FAQs
Can you use ground cinnamon in place of cinnamon sticks?
Yes, you can substitute ground cinnamon for cinnamon sticks using the conversion table above.
How can I tell if cinnamon sticks are fresh?
Fresh cinnamon sticks have a strong aroma and slightly soft texture. If they feel brittle and lack fragrance, they may be past their prime.
Is there a difference between Cassia and Ceylon cinnamon when used in cooking?
Yes! Ceylon cinnamon is sweeter and more complex, whereas Cassia is more pungent. Depending on the recipe, this may alter the final taste.
How should I store cinnamon powder?
Keep it in an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.
What is the best way to grind cinnamon sticks?
Using a spice grinder or a high-speed blender will yield the best results. A mortar and pestle can also work for smaller quantities.
For more in-depth information on types of cinnamon and various culinary uses, check out this comprehensive guide on cinnamon.
By implementing these methods, anyone can easily craft cinnamon powder or enhance their cooking with this versatile spice!