February 19, 2025
Cinnamon has become a chosen spice worldwide due to its aroma and sweet taste. Ground cinnamon is perhaps the most ubiquitous of spices found in the pantry; yet, cinnamon sticks, better known as cinnamon quills, occupy a league of their own. These vine-like sticks come from the inner bark of Cinnamon trees and differ: there is cassia cinnamon, with its own attributes, and there is Saigon cinnamon, with its exclusive flair. Below, we expand on a myriad of health benefits and uses of cinnamon sticks, from therapeutic to edible considerations.
Cinnamon Sticks Health Benefits
Long ago, cinnamon was very much appreciated due to its medicinal qualities. Cinnamon sticks, whether brought into tea, used in food for garnishing, or boiled in potpourri, health benefits bring in a myriad.
Control Blood Sugar
Cinnamon also works for the person wanting to maintain blood sugar levels. Studies have proven cinnamon to have better benefits in improving sensitivity to insulin, making it an excellent choice for someone following a diabetes-conscious diet. Putting a stick of cinnamon in your tea or much better adding it into your daily routine might help in keeping your blood sugar level maximum steady.
Antioxidants Galore
Cinnamon boasts a rich supply of antioxidants that minimize oxidative stress in the body. These antioxidants directly scavenge free radicals that would otherwise damage healthy cells and tissues and potentially contribute to chronic diseases. The potent doses of antioxidants found in cinnamon sticks would provide added protection against disorders like heart disease and cancer.
Anti-inflammatory Action
The anti-inflammatory compounds present in cinnamon may reduce inflammation in the body. Because of this, consuming cinnamon on a regular basis may keep the joints healthy and relieve arthritis symptoms.
Digestion
Cinnamon enhances the digestive process by stimulating digestive enzyme production, assisting nutrient absorption, and calming the stomach. Thus, if you are suffering from indigestion or bloating, sipping some cinnamon tea will provide relief; prepare the tea with whole cinnamon sticks.
Immune Support with Antibacterial and Antifungal Benefits
Cinnamon is known for its natural antibacterial and antifungal benefits. This is a great asset if you’re looking to help boost the immune system. Incorporating cinnamon in your daily diet can broaden your chance for a healthy body resistant to pathogenic bacteria and fungus.
Cinnamon Sticks as Craft and Home Decor
Of course, cinnamon sticks have great health benefits, but they are becoming popular in most craft works, especially this time of year. Here are some fantastic ideas of things you can do with cinnamon sticks:
Cinnamon Stick Christmas Ornaments
Grab yourself a stick of cinnamon and get going on some fine Christmas decoration work. Small Christmas trees, wreaths, or ornaments are in order. A single bag of cinnamon sticks can easily go into several decorations, with the bonus of sweetening the smell of your home.
Cinnamon Sticks in Potpourri
The smell of cinnamon provides a natural, cozy aroma around the house when put in potpourri or simmered in a pot on the stove. It is this very reason that cinnamon becomes a very effective ingredient behind those wonderful scented gifts, like candle gifts made with cinnamon sticks or sachets scented with cinnamon.
Working with Cinnamon Sticks for the Holidays
With their multi-purpose character, cinnamon sticks are perfect for holiday crafts such as ornaments for reindeer and ribbons made with cinnamon sticks or even the making of rustic holiday wreaths
Cinnamon Sticks vs Ground Cinnamon
You might be familiar with ground cinnamon and whole cinnamon sticks in your kitchen, but which is better? While both have good effects on health, research shows various distinctions:
Flavor Profile: Sticks give you that real fresh-looking, strong flavor while ground cinnamon when it is used in cooking becomes more muted and less intense.
Culinary Use: Use whole sticks for infusions in beverages like tea, cider, or hot chocolate; use ground cinnamon for baking or homemade apple cinnamon bread or cinnamon rolls.
Longevity:
A whole cinnamon stick actually lasts longer than that of the powder cinnamon. A whole can be kept around for months and even years without losing its potency, while ground cinnamon, as opposed to whole sticks, loses its flavor much faster.4. How to Use Cinnamon Sticks in Cooking
Cinnamon sticks are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of culinary applications. Here are some ideas:
- Tea and Beverages: Use a cinnamon stick to infuse your tea or add it to hot beverages like cider or hot chocolate for a warm, comforting flavor. A simple cinnamon French toast recipe can also be made by steeping a cinnamon stick in the milk mixture.
- Baking: You can add cinnamon sticks to baked goods like apple cinnamon loaf or cinnamon spice oatmeal cookies to impart a subtle, aromatic flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon from Cinnamon Sticks: If you prefer ground cinnamon, you can easily make your own by grinding cinnamon sticks in a spice grinder. This homemade pure cinnamon powder will be fresher and more flavorful than store-bought versions.
Cinnamon Sticks for Healthier Recipes
Cinnamon sticks can be incorporated into various recipes to boost the flavor and health benefits. Here are a few recipe ideas:
- Cinnamon Stick Simmer Pot: Simmer cinnamon sticks in water with other ingredients like cloves and orange peel for a natural home fragrance or as a comforting drink.
- Cinnamon Seasoning for Sweet Dishes: Combine cinnamon sticks with sugar to create your own cinnamon sugar for sprinkling over baked goods or pancakes.
- Cinnamon Sweet Sticks: These delicious, chewy sticks are a great treat for those who crave cinnamon-flavored snacks. Perfect for the holiday season, you can even add chocolate inside the cinnamon sticks for an indulgent twist.
How to Store Cinnamon Sticks
Cinnamon sticks have a long shelf life, especially when stored correctly. Keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Properly stored cinnamon sticks can last for up to 2-3 years, making them a great pantry staple to have on hand for all your crafting and cooking needs.
Where to Buy Cinnamon Sticks
When buying cinnamon sticks, consider the source. Look for high-quality cinnamon from reputable suppliers. Organic cinnamon sticks are often considered the best for health-conscious individuals. You can find cinnamon sticks to buy in bulk at many spice retailers or online. If you’re looking for cheap cinnamon sticks, there are also budget-friendly options available in larger quantities. Popular varieties include cassia cinnamon sticks, Indonesian cinnamon, and Saigon cinnamon, each with unique flavor profiles.
For the best quality cinnamon sticks, be sure to buy cinnamon sticks from trusted brands that specialize in premium cinnamon products.
Conclusion
Cinnamon sticks offer a plethora of spicy health benefits and creative usages beyond serving as fragrant adornments in the kitchen. Flavonoids and other compounds in cinnamon sticks support digestive health and reduce inflammation. Thus, they are considered essential in both culinary and crafting circles. Whether you buy cinnamon sticks in bulk for crafts, make a soothing cup of cinnamon tea, or use them for your homemade cinnamon rolls, this spice will never leave you hanging.
