Cinnamon is a warm, aromatic, spice. It was used in ancient Rome, Egypt, and China as a spice and a medicine, and was considered to be as valuable as gold.
Cinnamon bark is harvested from cinnamon trees, and sold in sticks or powder. The most common types of cinnamon are Ceylon, and Cassia. Ceylon is sweeter, lighter in color, and softer in texture.
Ceylon cinnamon sticks are easily ground in a coffee grinder. Cassia is less expensive, more common, and sold in supermarkets.
BUYING TIPS
- Buy organic for fresher flavor.
- Store cinnamon in a glass jar in the fridge. It will remain fresh for six months.
- To save money, buy bulk from a local health food store, or food co-op.
- To preserve flavor, buy Ceylon cinnamon sticks, and grind them in a coffee grinder, as needed.
HOW TO USE CINNAMON
- Top your cappuccino, or latte with powdered cinnamon.
- Make tea from cinnamon sticks.
- Add cinnamon to granola cereal.
- Stir hot cocoa with a cinnamon stick.
- Sprinkle cinnamon over French Toast.
- Add cinnamon to a smoothie.
- Stir cinnamon into warm oatmeal cereal.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF CINNAMON
- Anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral
- Anti-clotting
- Blood sugar control
- Improves colon health
- Reduces intestinal gas
- High in anti-oxidants
- Rich source of polyphenols
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antiseptic
More about cinnamon health benefits here.
Copyright 2013 Irene Pastore and Blue Moon Personal Training
Irene Pastore Fitness 