
cinnamon
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)
Walnut Cranberry Relish
Makes 2¼ cups.
Warm Beer Soup
A nourishing soup!
Warm Gingerbread
Original recipe Makes 25 servings
Weight Watchers Apple Cider Crisp
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * WW points: 4 * Ser
Weight Watchers Caramel Cappuccino Shake
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * WW points: 4 * Ser
Wentelteefjes
The dutch equivalent to french toast. In the Netherlands it is eaten as breakfast, but also as snack during the day.
Whole Wheat French Toast
Whole Wheat French Toast from the Recidemia collection
Whole Wheat Scones
Contributed by Lilly at Catsrecipes Y-Group * 16 Scones
Wild Blueberry Old Fashioned Muffin
Yield: Approximately 36 muffins
Wild Blueberry Pie
Wild Blueberry Pie from the Recidemia collection
Worc-Chicken in Mango Sauce
Worc-Chicken in Mango Sauce from the Recidemia collection
World Recipe Coffee Cake Recipe
A pot of coffee a good show or a great book and man this is life.
Yak-Sik
Steamed Rice Pudding This recipe yields 10 servings.
Yam and Raisin Cookies
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Mclean Estate in Irving, Texas in 1982.
Yerushalmi Kugel
Yerushalmi kugel is named after the city of Jerusalem. Legend has it that it originated in Jerusalem with the followers of the Vilna Gaon in the 18th century.
Yerushalmi Kugel
Yerushalmi kugel is named after the city of Jerusalem. Legend has it that it originated in Jerusalem with the followers of the Vilna Gaon in the 18th century.
Yogurt coffee cake
Yogurt coffee cake from the Recidemia collection
Yokahula Mango Kuchen
.
Yucca Pie
Yucca Pie from the Recidemia collection
Zardalu Polo
Persian lamb and apricot pilaf.
Zippy Mango Cheesecake
Zippy Mango Cheesecake from the Recidemia collection
Zucchini bread
Zucchini bread is a sweet fluffy bread that has zucchini in it. It is delicious. There are many different ways of making it. Here is one.
Zucchini-Carrot Bread
Zucchini-Carrot Bread from the Recidemia collection
Zucchini Cookies
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Pryor estate in Grapevine, Texas in 1996.