If you love the warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon in your cooking or baking, grinding your own cinnamon sticks is a game-changer. Freshly ground cinnamon offers a much richer flavor and aroma than store-bought powder. But how do you grind cinnamon sticks effectively? Let’s explore easy methods and tips to get the perfect cinnamon powder at home.
Why Grind Cinnamon Sticks Yourself?
Grinding cinnamon sticks fresh preserves the essential oils and natural flavors that start to fade once cinnamon is pre-ground. This means your dishes-from spiced lattes to baked goods-will have a more vibrant, intense cinnamon taste. Plus, grinding at home lets you control the texture, from coarse flakes to fine powder, depending on your needs.
What You’ll Need
– Cinnamon sticks (choose high-quality ones like Ceylon or Cassia for distinct flavors)
– Coffee or spice grinder (best for fine, consistent powder)
– Mortar and pestle (for manual grinding and texture control)
– Microplane or fine grater (for small amounts or coarse texture)
– Ziploc bag and meat tenderizer (for a hands-on crushing method)
– Fine mesh sieve (optional, for sifting out larger pieces)
Step-by-Step: How to Grind Cinnamon Sticks
1. Break the Cinnamon Sticks into Smaller Pieces
Start by snapping or chopping your cinnamon sticks into 1-2 inch pieces. Smaller pieces grind more easily and evenly, preventing damage to your grinder and speeding up the process.
2. Choose Your Grinding Method
– Using a Coffee or Spice Grinder:
This is the easiest and fastest way. Place the broken cinnamon pieces into the grinder without overcrowding. Pulse in short bursts of 10-15 seconds, checking the consistency between pulses. Grind longer for a fine powder or less for a coarser texture. This method prevents fibrous chunks and produces the smoothest powder.
– Using a Mortar and Pestle:
For a more traditional, hands-on approach, crush cinnamon pieces in small batches. Use firm, circular motions until you reach your desired grind. This method gives you control over texture but takes more time.
– Using a Microplane or Grater:
If you only need a small amount, grate the cinnamon sticks finely. This won’t produce powder but small flakes perfect for sprinkling.
– Crushing in a Ziploc Bag:
Place cinnamon pieces in a sealed bag and crush with a meat tenderizer or rolling pin. This yields a coarse grind and is good if you don’t have a grinder.
3. Sift the Ground Cinnamon (Optional)
Pour your ground cinnamon through a fine mesh sieve to remove any large pieces. Re-grind the leftover chunks if you want a uniform powder.
4. Store Properly
Keep your freshly ground cinnamon in an airtight container, stored in a cool, dry place. Proper storage preserves its flavor for 6 to 12 months.
Tips for Best Results
– Don’t overload your grinder; work in small batches for even grinding.
– Pulse the grinder instead of running it continuously to avoid heating and losing flavor.
– Use clean equipment to prevent flavor contamination.
– Choose cinnamon sticks based on flavor preference: Ceylon for delicate sweetness, Cassia for bold spice.
Grinding cinnamon sticks at home is simple and rewarding. With just a few tools and steps, you can elevate your cooking with the freshest, most aromatic cinnamon powder possible. Enjoy the rich flavor boost in your next recipe!