x 2 inch cinnamon sticks
Rich in polyphenol antioxidants and manganese; cinnamon contains compounds like cinnamaldehyde that have been studied for potential anti-inflammatory and blood-sugar-regulating properties.
About
Cinnamon sticks are quills of dried bark harvested from cinnamon trees (genus Cinnamomum), primarily Cinnamomum verum (true cinnamon) native to Sri Lanka and Cinnamomum cassia (cassia cinnamon) from Indonesia and southern China. The bark is stripped from branches, dried, and naturally curls into tight quills as it loses moisture. True cinnamon (Ceylon cinnamon) has a light tan color, delicate sweetness, and complex warm flavor with subtle citrus notes, while cassia cinnamon is darker reddish-brown with bolder, more pronounced sweetness and spicier intensity. Cinnamon sticks range from thin, papery 2-inch quills to thicker 4-6 inch sticks depending on variety and processing.
Culinary Uses
Cinnamon sticks are used primarily for infusing beverages, rice dishes, and braised preparations where their flavor releases slowly into cooking liquids. They are essential in mulled wines, hot apple cider, chai, and Indian curries where they contribute warmth and depth without the grittiness of ground cinnamon. Common applications include poaching liquids for fruit, rice pilaf, meat braises (particularly in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisines), and Spanish hot chocolate. Shorter 2-inch sticks are ideal for individual servings or smaller portions; they can be left whole for visual appeal or cracked for faster flavor extraction. Remove before serving unless whole consumption is intended.