Making ground cinnamon from cinnamon sticks is a straightforward process. Here's how you can do it:
Selecting Cinnamon Sticks: Start by choosing high-quality cinnamon sticks. Look for ones that are firm, tightly rolled, and have a strong aroma. Ceylon cinnamon sticks are considered to be of higher quality compared to Cassia cinnamon.
Grinding Process:
Break the cinnamon sticks into smaller pieces to make them easier to grind. You can use a kitchen knife to chop them into smaller chunks.
Use a spice grinder or a coffee grinder dedicated solely to grinding spices. Avoid using a grinder that you use for coffee unless you want your coffee to have a cinnamon flavor.
Place the broken cinnamon sticks into the grinder in small batches to ensure even grinding.
Pulse or grind the cinnamon sticks until they reach the desired consistency. You can grind them into a fine powder for use in baking or leave them slightly coarse for use in savory dishes.
Sifting (Optional): If you prefer a very fine powder, you can sift the ground cinnamon through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any larger pieces. This step is optional and depends on your preference.
Storage: Once ground, store the cinnamon powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Proper storage will help maintain its freshness and flavor for longer.
Usage: Use your freshly ground cinnamon in various recipes such as baked goods, desserts, curries, stews, beverages, and more. Enjoy the robust flavor and aroma that freshly ground cinnamon adds to your dishes.
By following these steps, you can easily transform cinnamon sticks into ground cinnamon, ensuring that you have a fresh supply of this aromatic spice for all your culinary adventures.
