Cinnamon is amongst the most commonly used spices globally.
Although it can be expensive, it’s worth buying because of how versatile it is.
You can use it to add depth to your coffee or tea, make baked goods more delicious (including bread), and even cook eggs.
But when is cinnamon best used?
How do you know it hasn’t gone bad?
Is there an expiration date on cinnamon?
How long does cinnamon last?
Cinnamon stays fresh for up to three years after being opened.
Once the seal is broken, the aroma will begin to fade almost immediately.
This is why you should always buy in small quantities; it’s easy to overuse cinnamon and ruin the taste.
The only time you might consider buying larger amounts of cinnamon is if you plan on making many dishes using it, such as in cinnamon bread, pancakes, or cookies.
In this case, buying in bulk could save money.
Does cinnamon go bad?
No, cinnamon doesn’t go bad.
The reason people often say they have “lost their cinnamon” is because they put too much in their food.
When you buy cinnamon, keep in mind that it’s sold by weight, so you don’t want to overload it into your food.
If you find yourself eating more than four teaspoons of cinnamon at once, then you may want to reconsider.
How can you tell if cinnamon is bad?
If you open a jar of cinnamon that has been sitting unopened for a year, it will still probably smell good.
But if you open a jar that’s been open for a few days, the cinnamon will probably be stale.
A good rule of thumb is if the scent of cinnamon disappears completely, then it’s time to throw it out.
What are the signs that cinnamon has expired?
Some of the most common signs that cinnamon has gone bad include mold, moisture, or discoloration, especially around the lid.
There are also some strange side effects associated with cinnamon that could indicate it’s rancid.
These include nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and skin irritation.
Cinnamon oil is another sign that cinnamon has gone bad.
This oil comes from the leaves and stems of the tree.
Is it safe to eat expired cinnamon?
Yes, it’s perfectly fine to eat cinnamon that’s past its prime.
However, you should never consume any type of cinnamon that smells bad.
Also, avoid eating cinnamon if it has any discolorations or mold on it.
If you’re uncertain about whether or not cinnamon is bad, check the expiration dates.
If the expiration date has passed, toss the product away and look for something else.
What happens if you eat expired cinnamon?
Expired cinnamon won’t do anything harmful to you.
Your body will simply ignore it.
This is why you should never eat cinnamon that isn’t up-to-date.
How long does cinnamon stay fresh?
Freshly ground, whole cinnamon sticks generally stay pretty good for about 6 months.
When it gets older, it starts to lose its flavor.
This is why you should always buy cinnamon in smaller quantities.
Cinnamon is very perishable, so you can’t just stick it in your pantry for two years without worrying about it going bad.
What is the shelf life of cinnamon?
Cinnamon has a shelf life of approximately six months, but it depends on how old it is when you purchase it.
Freshly bought cinnamon lasts longer than other types of cinnamon.
After a couple of weeks, the quality begins to degrade.
It’s important to use cinnamon within one month of opening.
Does cinnamon need to be refrigerated?
Refrigeration isn’t necessary unless you’re using it in large quantities.
For smaller amounts, it’s okay to leave it in the pantry.
How should you store cinnamon?
Store cinnamon in a dry, dark place.
To be safe, keep it somewhere between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Does cinnamon need to be washed before using?
It’s not necessary to wash cinnamon before cooking with it.
Many people recommend washing it before adding it to a dish, but this isn’t necessary.
Can I mix different types of cinnamon together?
Yes, you can.
Some people like mixing cinnamon with nutmeg because it creates a unique flavor combination.
Just remember to weigh each ingredient so you don’t end up overdosing them.
You can add either to your baking recipes or blend them together to create your own special seasoning.
If you’d rather try your hand at creating your own signature mixture, here are the basic ingredients to get you started.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
You can make up to 3 cups of this mixture at a time, depending on how strong you want the flavor to be.
Do you think cinnamon needs to be chopped?
It’s fine to chop cinnamon sticks if you’re looking to sprinkle it on top of foods.
As mentioned earlier, though, you don’t want to overload it with your food.
And if you choose to chop it, you should make sure you don’t cut through to the core.
Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk.
- Add the sugar, butter, eggs, salt, and 2 cups flour; mix until well blended.
- Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
- Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; roll into a 16-in. x 12-in. rectangle.
- Combine sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over dough to within 1 in. of edges.
- Roll up jelly-roll, starting with a long side; pinch seam to seal. Place seam side down on a greased baking sheet.
- Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
- Bake at 375° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Combine confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla; drizzle over warm bread. Serve immediately.
Video
Nutrition
I have a true passion for cooking and experimenting with new ingredients, and I have been creating and perfecting recipes for friends and family for years.
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