Cinnamon Hacks: Clever Uses for This Versatile Spice

Introduction to Cinnamon

Cinnamon has a long and storied history spanning centuries. This fragrant spice was highly prized in ancient Egypt, where it was considered a gift fit for monarchs and even the gods. Cinnamon comes from the bark of tropical evergreen trees in the genus Cinnamomum. The two most common types are Cinnamomum cassia, known as Chinese cinnamon or cassia, and Cinnamomum zeylanicum, known as Ceylon cinnamon.

Cinnamon is packed with nutrients and antioxidants. Just one teaspoon contains manganese, iron, calcium, and antioxidants like polyphenols. These compounds help neutralize free radicals and may help reduce the risk of some diseases. Cinnamon also has anti-inflammatory effects and may improve brain function.

The sweet and spicy flavor of cinnamon comes from an aromatic essential oil that contains compounds called cinnamaldehyde and cinnamyl acetate. This essential oil gives cinnamon sticks and ground cinnamon their characteristic fragrance and flavor. Cinnamon enhances the flavor of both sweet and savory foods. You can sprinkle it on oatmeal, yogurt, or fruit; add it to curries, stews, and Moroccan tagines; or, of course, sprinkle it on toast, muffins, and cinnamon rolls.

Cinnamon has long been used in traditional medicine. It may help improve blood sugar control, reduce heart disease risk factors, and aid digestion. Cinnamon essential oil also has antibacterial properties and can be used as a natural food preservative.

So put the spice of life to good use. Cinnamon's sweet warmth, nourishing nutrition, and natural medicinal qualities are reason enough to make it a kitchen staple. Keep a stash of cinnamon sticks for infusing sauces and syrups, or grind the sticks into powder for sprinkling into and onto just about anything.

Nutritional Facts of Cinnamon

1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon countains:

• Calories: 6
• Total Fat: 0.1g
• Sodium: 0.1mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 2g
• Dietary Fiber: 1.4g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0.1g
• Vitamin K: 0.4 mcg (1% DV)
• Calcium: 10.6mg (1% DV)
• Iron: 0.1mg (1% DV)
• Magnesium: 1.2mg (0% DV)
• Phosphorus: 0.4mg (0% DV)
• Potassium: 5.4mg (0% DV)

Health Benefits of Cinnamon

• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Cinnamon contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help reduce inflammation and fight oxidative stress in the body.
• Blood Sugar Regulation: Cinnamon has been studied for its potential to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels. It may be beneficial for individuals with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.
• Heart Health: Cinnamon may contribute to heart health by reducing levels of total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides. It may also help increase HDL (good) cholesterol.
• Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties: Cinnamon has natural antimicrobial properties that may help inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. It has been traditionally used for its preservative effects.
• Neuroprotective Effects: Some studies suggest that compounds in cinnamon may have neuroprotective benefits, potentially helping to prevent or delay the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
• Anti-Cancer Potential: While more research is needed, certain compounds in cinnamon have shown promise in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and inducing cancer cell death in laboratory studies.
• Anti-Diabetic Effects: Cinnamon may improve insulin sensitivity and help lower blood sugar levels, making it a potential supportive element in managing diabetes.
• Anti-Microbial Effects: Cinnamon has been found to have antimicrobial properties, helping to fight various infections and illnesses.
• Digestive Health: Cinnamon may aid digestion by reducing inflammation in the digestive tract and potentially easing symptoms of indigestion.
• Anti-Aging Properties: The antioxidants in cinnamon may contribute to skin health by protecting against oxidative stress, potentially slowing down the aging process.

While cinnamon can offer potential health benefits, it's essential to consume it as part of a balanced diet. It's always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, especially for those with existing health conditions or concerns.

Tasty Cinnamon Recipes

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter
• Cream cheese glaze (mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and ground cinnamon.
2. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
4. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto a griddle for each pancake.
5. Swirl a generous amount of cream cheese glaze on top. Repeat for a stack of delicious cinnamon roll pancakes.

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 cups of milk or water
• 1 apple, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup
• Chopped nuts and raisins for topping

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine oats, milk (or water), diced apple, and ground cinnamon.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the oats are creamy.
3. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup, and top with chopped nuts and raisins.

Cinnamon-Sugar Baked Apple Chips:

Ingredients:

• 2 large apples, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon of melted coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 225°F (110°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, toss apple slices with melted coconut oil.
3. In a separate bowl, mix sugar and ground cinnamon.
4. Arrange apple slices on the baking sheet and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
5. Bake for 1.5–2 hours until the apple chips are crisp.

Cinnamon Honey Butter:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whip the softened butter until creamy.
2. Add honey, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
3. Mix well until the honey butter is smooth and well combined.
4. Spread on warm bread, pancakes, or waffles for a delightful treat.

Cinnamon-Sugar Roasted Sweet Potatoes:

Ingredients:

• 3 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, toss diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt.
3. Spread evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes until caramelized.
4. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Cinnamon-Spiced Quinoa Breakfast Bowl:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 tablespoon of maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Sliced banana and chopped nuts for topping

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, milk, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon.
2. Heat in the microwave or on the stove until warm.
3. Top with sliced banana and chopped nuts for a wholesome and cinnamon-spiced breakfast.

Cinnamon-Spiced Pumpkin Bread:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in chopped nuts if using. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
7. Bake for 60–70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cinnamon-Spiced Rice Pudding:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups of whole milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Raisins and ground nutmeg for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine rice, milk, sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
2. Simmer over low heat, stirring often, until the rice is cooked and the mixture thickens.
3. Remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Stir in raisins.
4. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg.

Cinnamon-Spiced Chickpea Snack:

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, toss chickpeas with olive oil, sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt.
3. Spread evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes until crispy.
4. Allow to cool before enjoying this crunchy and cinnamon-spiced snack.

Cinnamon-Spiced Hot Chocolate:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Whipped cream and a cinnamon stick for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm.
2. In a bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, sugar, and ground cinnamon.
3. Gradually whisk the cocoa mixture into the warm milk until well combined.
4. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream. Garnish with a cinnamon stick for an extra touch.

Enjoy the rich and comforting essence of cinnamon in these diverse and flavorful recipes!

Unexpected Uses for Cinnamon Around the Home

Natural Air Freshener

Simmer cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and orange peels on the stove to fill your home with a warm, spicy aroma. You can also make DIY cinnamon potpourri by combining cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, dried orange peels, and spices like nutmeg and allspice. Store in an airtight container and leave open in areas where you want a pleasant scent.

Deter moths and insects

The strong smell of cinnamon deters moths, mosquitoes, and other insects. Place a few cinnamon sticks or potpourri in your closet, dresser drawers, and entryways to naturally repel unwanted pests. You can also sprinkle ground cinnamon along baseboards and windowsills.

Relieve Congestion

Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde, an essential oil with antifungal and antimicrobial properties. To relieve congestion from colds or allergies, simmer 3–4 cinnamon sticks in a pot of water. The steam will naturally decongest and soothe a sore throat. You can also add a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil for extra relief.

Polish and clean

Make an all-purpose cleaning paste from cinnamon, lemon juice, and baking soda. Apply with a damp cloth to polish wood furniture, copper bottom pans, and stainless steel sinks. The fine grit of cinnamon helps lift tarnish and grime while leaving behind a pleasant aroma. Rinse well with water and buff to shine.

Repel Ants

Sprinkle ground cinnamon in areas where you see ants entering your home, such as near baseboards, windows, and doorways. The strong scent deters ants and disrupts their scent trails. Reapply every few days until the ants are no longer spotted. Cinnamon is a natural solution and safe to use around kids and pets.

Cinnamon deserves a prominent place in your pantry. Keep a supply of sticks and ground cinnamon on hand for these clever household uses and many more. Your home will smell fresh and be naturally protected, all thanks to this sweet and spicy spice.

Tips for Storing Cinnamon

Once you've purchased your cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon, proper storage and use are key to maximizing its flavor and aroma. Here are some tips and hacks for keeping cinnamon fresh:

• Keep cinnamon in an airtight container away from heat and light. This will prevent the oxidation and loss of volatile oils that give cinnamon a distinctive fragrance. Glass containers with tight-fitting lids work well. For ground cinnamon, use within 612 months. Whole cinnamon sticks will last 2–3 years when stored properly.
• Label and date your cinnamon containers so you can use the freshest spices first.
• Store cinnamon separately from spices with strong odors to avoid cross-contamination of flavors.

Conclusion

So there you have it. Cinnamon is so much more than just a sweet topping for your morning oats or coffee. This spice has a ton of surprising uses that can benefit your health, home, and daily routine in simple ways. Give some of these cinnamon hacks a try. Your body, wallet, and taste buds will thank you. And if you have any other clever cinnamon tricks up your sleeve, be sure to share them with us. We're always on the hunt for natural, multipurpose products that can make life a little sweeter.