Apple pie, cinnamon rolls, and chai lattes.
What do all these tasty treats have in common? Cinnamon!
This spice adds that deliciously sweet smell that fills the kitchen and makes our mouths water. While it’s often used in desserts, cinnamon can also bring warmth and complexity to savory dishes.
Cinnamon is made from the bark of the cinnamon tree and is available in many forms, including sticks, powder, and oil. Beyond its use in cooking, it has a long history in medicine and culture. The ancient Greeks and Romans used it for healing, and the Egyptians used it in embalming. When sugar became popular in Europe, it was often paired with cinnamon as a flavorful and affordable way to add sweetness to food. Today, cinnamon is commonly used in sweet dishes in Western countries, while many Eastern cuisines use it in savory recipes.
Cinnamon contains potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which support heart and bone health. It may also help reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels and has anti-inflammatory properties. The chemical that gives cinnamon that pleasant smell, cinnamaldehyde, has antiviral, antibiotic, antioxidant, and even anticancer properties. Research suggests that it may also support brain function and help manage conditions such as arthritis.
Cinnamon has a lot to give, so don’t limit it to perking up sweet dishes. Cinnamon provides an interesting flavor dimension and nutrients to savory foods. Cinnamon is highly versatile and can be used in various cooking applications, such as these:
- Mix it with other spices to create unique rubs for chicken, pork, and lamb.
- Add it to side dishes with mild flavors like rice pilaf or quinoa salad.
- Use it in international dishes such as Indian curries and Asian-Mediterranean stir-fries.
- Blend it into warm fall soups like cinnamon-spiced squash soup.
- Make sauces and marinades like cinnamon-infused BBQ sauce or a cinnamon and orange marinade.
Cinnamon is a versatile spice that adds more than just flavor. With a bit of creativity, it can turn everyday meals into something special.
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