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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-SC.007.0343.001

Walnut Cranberry Relish

Makes 2¼ cups.

RCI-SP.003.0729.001

Warm Beer Soup

A nourishing soup!

RCI-BR.003.0429.001

Warm Gingerbread

Original recipe Makes 25 servings

RCI-DS.004.0307.001

Weight Watchers Apple Cider Crisp

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * WW points: 4 * Ser

RCI-BV.007.0176.001

Weight Watchers Caramel Cappuccino Shake

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * WW points: 4 * Ser

RCI-BR.008.0226.001

Wentelteefjes

The dutch equivalent to french toast. In the Netherlands it is eaten as breakfast, but also as snack during the day.

RCI-EG.002.0080.001

Whole Wheat French Toast

Whole Wheat French Toast from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0433.001

Whole Wheat Scones

Contributed by Lilly at Catsrecipes Y-Group * 16 Scones

RCI-BR.003.0438.001

Wild Blueberry Old Fashioned Muffin

Yield: Approximately 36 muffins

RCI-BR.006.0374.001

Wild Blueberry Pie

Wild Blueberry Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0843.001

Worc-Chicken in Mango Sauce

Worc-Chicken in Mango Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0560.001

World Recipe Coffee Cake Recipe

A pot of coffee a good show or a great book and man this is life.

RCI-RC.001.0238.001

Yak-Sik

Steamed Rice Pudding This recipe yields 10 servings.

RCI-BR.005.0662.001

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.

RCI-EG.003.0159.002

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.

RCI-EG.003.0159.001

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.

RCI-BR.004.0562.001

Yogurt coffee cake

Yogurt coffee cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0378.001

Yokahula Mango Kuchen

.

RCI-BR.006.0379.001

Yucca Pie

Yucca Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1557.001

Zardalu Polo

Persian lamb and apricot pilaf.

RCI-BR.004.0564.001

Zippy Mango Cheesecake

Zippy Mango Cheesecake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0443.001

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.

RCI-BR.003.0444.001

Zucchini-Carrot Bread

Zucchini-Carrot Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0664.001

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.