Ingredient of the Month: Cinnamon

Bittersweet and versatile, cinnamon adds zest to sweet and savory dishes.

Cinnamon
Use this mildly bittersweet spice to punch up sweet and savory dishes. Here, and in-depth look.

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon
Hailing from Asia, Cinnamon is an aromatic spice that comes from the bark of specific trees. Commonly used in desserts in America, cinnamon is a versatile spice used in both sweet and savory dishes around the world. Cinnamon carries a strong flavor and should be used sparingly.

Cinnamon Pairings
Combine cinnamon with: Allspice, cardamom, chili pepper, chili powder, cloves, coriander, cumin, ginger, nutmeg, star anise and turmeric. Each pair magnificently with cinnamon’s rich, aromatic notes.

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Use cinnamon when preparing: Indian, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Southeast Asian and Spanish cuisine. It’s traditionally featured in sweet dishes but find it’s way into savory dishes in international dishes.

Tip: Mix cinnamon with cardamom, cloves, coriander and black pepper to make your own garam masala, a spice blend often used in Indian cuisine.

How to Store Cinnamon

• Buy cinnamon in small amounts, as it’s perishable. Some specialty stores and markets offer spices in bulk containers so you can purchase the exact amount you need.
• Store cinnamon in airtight containers out of direct sunlight.
• Take a sniff to test for freshness. Hold the open container at chin height—if you can’t detect the aroma, your spice is past its prime.
• Replace spices that are over six months old. Mark the purchase date on the container so you’ll always know what’s fresh.