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cinnamon

cinnamon

Herbs & SpicesYear-round; cinnamon is a dried, shelf-stable spice available consistently throughout the year globally. Harvest occurs seasonally in producing regions (primarily during monsoon months in tropical areas), but dried cinnamon maintains quality for extended periods when stored in cool, dry conditions.

Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, and contains manganese and small amounts of calcium and iron. It has been traditionally associated with blood sugar regulation, though clinical evidence remains mixed.

About

Cinnamon is the dried bark of trees belonging to the genus Cinnamomum, native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. The bark is harvested from cinnamon trees, dried, and naturally curls into quills or "sticks" as it loses moisture. Two main varieties dominate global trade: Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), sourced primarily from Sri Lanka and characterized by a complex, delicate sweetness with citrus notes; and Cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum aromaticum), from Indonesia and China, which has a bolder, spicier, and more assertive flavor profile with higher coumarin content. Ceylon cinnamon commands premium prices due to its superior aromatic complexity and lower coumarin levels, making it preferred for fine culinary applications, while Cassia is more commonly used in commercial products and mass-market applications.

Culinary Uses

Cinnamon is a foundational spice in both sweet and savory cuisines worldwide. In Western baking and desserts, it flavors everything from pastries and cakes to beverages like hot chocolate and coffee. Middle Eastern and North African cuisines employ cinnamon in meat stews, rice dishes, and spice blends such as ras el hanout and baharat. Indian cuisine incorporates it into garam masala and curries, while Mexican cooking uses it prominently in mole sauce and chocolate preparations. Cinnamon's warm, slightly sweet character makes it versatile for both spice rubs on meats and finishing touches on fruit-based dishes. It pairs particularly well with other warm spices like nutmeg and cloves, and complements both acidic and sweet flavor profiles.

Used In

Recipes Using cinnamon (924)

RCI-BR.006.0293.001

Ritz Cracker "Apple" Pie

I learned about this recipe when my brother, still in middle school, came home saying that he could get extra credit by making it. It's an "apple" pie recipe that uses no apples; which of course means that it's even worse for you than the real McCoy.

RCI-BR.003.0358.001

Rose Petal Drop Scones

What could be more beautiful and decorative than these delicious scones with rose petals? Recipe was adapted from the cookbook, Flowers in the Kitchen, by Susan Belsinger, Interweave.

Rugelach
RCI-BR.005.0540.002

Rugelach

Rugelach is a Jewish pastry dish with raisins, walnuts, and sometimes chocolate.

RCI-BR.005.0540.001

Rugelach

Rugelach is a Jewish pastry dish with raisins, walnuts, and sometimes chocolate.

RCI-BR.004.0461.001

Rumkage

Danish rum cake - Makes 1 cake Rum Cake - Rumkage

RCI-BR.005.0542.001

R-U-Oating Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.

RCI-DS.001.0486.001

Sako

A traditional caramelized tapioca sweet

RCI-SP.005.0205.001

Salat Tangiers

This salad is an authentic Moroccan dish that is ideal for vegetarians. It is served cold and mixes the sweet with the spicy! This recipe serves 4 to 6.

RCI-BR.004.0465.001

Sally Parker's Boiled Spice Cake

Sally Parker's Boiled Spice Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.005.0056.001

Samboosa

This recipe is for 4 serves.

RCI-VG.004.1175.001

Sambussa

Yields 16 pastries.

RCI-BR.006.0299.001

Sauk-Prairie Eagle Inn Easy Sour Cream Raisin Pie

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group * Makes 7 to 8 s

RCI-BV.008.0068.001

Sbiten

An ancient recipe Russian Hot beverage. There are several variations and also spelled sbiten A non-alchoholic version is made with blackberry jam or other flavours and water instead of the wine.

RCI-DS.001.0489.001

Scheiterhaufen

Austrian Cuisine

RCI-SN.001.0342.001

Sea Bass with Dried Fruit Salsa

Fruit & Vegetable of the Month: Dried Fruit by the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 4

RCI-DS.003.0280.001

Selloh

This snack is often served during Ramadan in Morroco, but their nutritious goodness make them a healthy snack every time. This makes about 40.

RCI-MT.004.0725.001

Seven C's Chicken

Seven C's Chicken from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.003.0082.001

Shish Kabab Mishwi

right|Shish Kebab Mishwi Grilled Shish Kabab

RCI-MT.001.0232.001

Shish Kebabs with Tahini Sauce

Roasted and grilled meats are ubiquitous throughout the Middle East. This marinade, infused with allspice and cinnamon, would be excellent on lamb or chicken as well. Tuck the grilled chunks of meat and onion into warm whole-wheat pitas.

RCI-SP.001.0114.001

Shorba Yavron (Assorted Vegetable Soup)

Shorba Yavron (Assorted Vegetable Soup) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0593.001

Shourabat El Qeema (Meatball Soup)

Shourabat El Qeema (Meatball Soup) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.005.0205.001

Sicilian Stuffed Squash

Sicilian Stuffed Squash from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.002.0069.001

Silver Palate-style French Toast

The wonderful cookbook The Silver Palate has an over-the-top French toast recipe. By using croissants instead of regular bread, and cream instead of milk, it is enough to harden anyone's arteries.

RCI-BR.005.0559.001

Simply Delicious Chocolate Chip Cookies

These can be made in a toaster oven.

RCI-VG.002.0163.001

Skillet Sweet Potatoes

Orange Juice Canned, Unsweetened by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 4

RCI-BR.003.0371.001

Snappy Ginger Muffins

=Snappy Ginger Muffins=

RCI-BR.005.0565.001

Snickerdoodles

are sugar cookies rolled in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. These are chewy the same day you make them and become crunchy the next day, sadly.

RCI-BR.005.0569.001

Soft molasses cookies

Soft molasses cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0279.001

SORPOTEL

SORPOTEL

RCI-MT.005.0278.001

Soujookh

Armenian spiced dried sausage Makes 8 5x6 pieces

RCI-BR.004.0476.001

Sour Cream Banana Coffee Cake

Sour Cream Banana Coffee Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0574.001

Sour Cream-Ginger Cookies

Sour Cream-Ginger Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0575.001

Sour Cream-Rhubarb Squares

Sour Cream-Rhubarb Squares from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0478.001

Southern Peach Shortcake

Southern Peach Shortcake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.003.0090.001

Souvlaki me Kreas Strouthokamilou

Souvlaki with ostrich meat and herbs right|Souvlaki with ostrich meat and herbs (Souvlaki me kreas strouthokamilou)

RCI-BR.003.0379.001

Soy Blueberry Muffins

Soy Blueberry Muffins from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0380.001

Soy Bran Muffins

Soy Bran Muffins from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0479.001

Soy Carrot Cake

.

RCI-RC.005.0081.001

Soy Snickerdoodles

Soy Snickerdoodles from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0481.001

Spanish Bar Cake

Spanish Bar Cake

RCI-BR.004.0482.001

Spanish Cake

A rich loaf cake heavily spiced and studded with plump Raisins.

RCI-BR.004.0483.001

Spanish Walnut Cake

This is a simply delectable cake with a fine crumb and a rich, spicy flavor. The addition of walnuts make this cake a little more toothy and wholesome.

RCI-BR.005.0580.001

Speculaas (spice cookies)

A famous cookie made from spices. It can be seen year-round but mainly around Christmas. Note: Some Dutch/European specialty stores may have pre-mixed speculaas spice packages.

RCI-BR.004.0486.001

Spice Cake

Spice Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0487.001

SPICE CAKE

SPICE CAKE

RCI-BR.005.0581.001

Spice cookies

Dessert Recipes by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe

RCI-BR.005.0583.001

Spice Cookies I

Spice Cookies I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0584.001

Spice Cookies II

Spice Cookies II from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.002.0081.001

Spiced Apple Smoothie

Spiced Apple Smoothie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.006.0124.001

Spiced Couscous with Cantaloupe

Spiced Couscous with Cantaloupe from the Recidemia collection