By Kathryn Espenschied
Description
Ceylon Cinnamon is also known as "true" cinnamon. It has slightly fruity flavor notes after the strong cinnamon flavor. Some compare the flavor to 'red hots candy' rather than the spicy flavor of Cassia cinnamon found more commonly in the USA. It is delicious! Ceylon cinnamon quills are lighter in color and rolled like a cinnamon roll. They have a thin, papery bark that can be crumbled with your fingers. Cassia cinnamon sticks, by contrast, are darker in color and rougher in texture and rolled like a scroll (two rolls coming together in the middle). They are much thicker and difficult to snap in half.
Toasting and Storage Instructions
We recommend lightly toasting these sticks when you receive them as they have not been heat treated at all. Heat in a low oven (300 degrees F or less) for about 10 minutes, let cool, then store in an airtight container at room temperature. Whole cinnamon sticks, when properly dried and stored, should last nearly indefinitely, though flavor will fade with age. Whole sticks retain their flavor better than ground.
Grinding Instructions
Because Ceylon cinnamon is so thin and crumbly, it can easily be ground at home. Crumble the sticks and put them in a high power blender, spice grinder, or clean coffee grinder. Process until a fine powder. Sift for a consistent result. Ceylon sticks themselves may have a very mild scent, but after grinding, your whole kitchen will smell like cinnamon!
Extract Instructions
Cinnamon can be extracted just like vanilla beans! Place one ounce of sticks in one cup of alcohol (40% abv or 80 proof). Cinnamon does not take as long to extract as vanilla, however. Check the cinnamon extract after 4-6 weeks. Flavor testing can be done in milk or cream as with vanilla, or you can add to a baked good. Our favorite use for cinnamon extract is in French Toast!
Use Ideas
Ceylon Cinnamon can be used exactly as any other type of cinnamon. Steep whole sticks in tea, wassail, or simmer pots. Mix ground cinnamon in sugar (cinnamon sugar toast is every kid's staple!). Use ground cinnamon in baking at the same ratio as cassia cinnamon. Your baked goods will take on a delicious and more complex flavor! Admin Kathryn enjoys making half Ceylon and half Cassia powder and 1/4 tsp vanilla powder in in her cinnamon pull apart!
