When it comes to baking, cinnamon is one of the most versatile and widely used spices. Its warm, characteristic flavor enhances everything from cookies and cakes to savory dishes like roasted meats and vegetables. And while ground cinnamon is readily available in most supermarkets, there’s nothing quite like the flavor of freshly crushed cinnamon sticks. In addition to being incredibly fragrant, cinnamon sticks also add a touch of visual interest to any dish. Fortunately, crushing cinnamon sticks is easy to do with just a few simple tools. With a little time and effort, you’ll be able to enjoy the fresh flavor of cinnamon in all your favorite recipes.
There are many ways to crush cinnamon sticks into cinnamon powder. One option is to use a mortar and pestle. Place the cinnamon sticks in the mortar and use the pestle to grind them into a powder. Another option is to use an electric coffee grinder. Simply place the sticks in the grinder and pulse until they reach the desired consistency. If you don’t have either of these tools, you can also place the sticks in a resealable bag and use a rolling pin to crush them. No matter which method you choose, be sure to work in small batches so that the cinnamonpowder doesn’t become too fine. Once it reaches the desired consistency, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dark place. Enjoy your homemade cinnamon powder in all your favorite recipes!
Manual ways of grinding cinnamon sticks
There are a few different ways that you can go about grinding cinnamon sticks. One option is to use a microplane zester. This will give you a very fine powder, which is ideal for baking or for adding to smoothies. If you don’t have a microplane zester, you can place the cinnamon sticks in a Ziploc bag and use a meat tenderizer to break them up. Another option is to use a mortar and pestle. This will take a bit more effort, but it will also give you a finer powder. Whichever method you choose, be sure to grind the cinnamon sticks until they are completely pulverized. Otherwise, you may end up with pieces of cinnamon bark in your finished product.
Microplane zester
If you want to make a really fine powder, then using a microplane zester is the way to go. Simply place the cinnamon sticks on the zester and grate them into a bowl. The finer you grate the sticks, the finer the powder will be. This method is quick and easy, and it produces great results.
Mortar and pestle
Using a mortar and pestle is a bit more labor-intensive than using a microplane zester, but it will also give you a finer powder. To use this method, simply place the cinnamon sticks in the mortar and grind them with the pestle until they are pulverized. This may take a few minutes, but be patient and keep grinding until the sticks are completely broken down.
Ziploc bag and meat tenderizer
If you don’t have a microplane zester or a mortar and pestle, you can still make cinnamon powder using a Ziploc bag and a meat tenderizer. Simply place the cinnamon sticks in the bag and use the tenderizer to pound them into small pieces. Once they’re broken up, open the bag and pour the pieces onto a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to chop the pieces into smaller pieces, and then transfer them to a coffee grinder or food processor. Pulse until they reach the desired consistency.
Electric/mechanical ways to make ground cinnamon from cinnamon sticks
There are several ways to grind cinnamon sticks into ground cinnamon. A high-speed blender can easily handle the task, as can a spice grinder or coffee grinder. For a more budget-friendly option, a food processor will also do the trick. Simply add the cinnamon sticks to the bowl of the machine and pulse until they’re finely ground. No matter which method you choose, be sure to start with sticks that are fresh and of good quality for the best flavor. Ground cinnamon can be used in all sorts of recipes, from sweet to savory dishes. So get grinding and enjoy the wonderful taste of freshly ground cinnamon in your next meal!
High-Speed Blender
A high-speed blender is a great option for grinding cinnamon sticks. Simply add the sticks to the blender and pulse until they’re finely ground. This method is quick and easy, and it produces great results.
Spice Grinder or Coffee Grinder
If you have a spice grinder or coffee grinder, you can easily grind cinnamon sticks into ground cinnamon. SSimply combine the sticks in a blender or food processor, pulse until finely ground, and you’re done. This method is quick and simple, resulting in excellent results.
Food Processor
A food processor will also do the trick when it comes to grinding cinnamon sticks. Simply add the sticks to the bowl of the machine and pulse until they’re finely ground. This method is budget-friendly and it produces great results.
Tips and tricks
-If you want a really fine powder, use a microplane zester or a mortar and pestle.
-If you don’t have either of these tools, you can use a Ziploc bag and a meat tenderizer to break up the cinnamon sticks.
-Once they’re broken up, use a coffee grinder or food processor to pulse them into a powder.
-Be sure to work in small batches so that the cinnamon doesn’t become too fine.
-Once it reaches the desired consistency, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dark place.
What are some of the benefits of using crushed cinnamon sticks compared to the whole stick form?
-The finer you grind the cinnamon sticks, the more potent the flavor will be.-Ground cinnamon takes up less space than whole cinnamon sticks, so it’s great for traveling or storing in small spaces.-It’s also easier to measure out small amounts of ground cinnamon than it is to measure out whole sticks.
-Ground cinnamon is also great for adding to recipes that call for a small amount of cinnamon, such as smoothies or baked goods.
– Crushed cinnamon sticks have a stronger flavor than whole cinnamon sticks, so you can use less and still get the same flavor. This is great for those who are watching their sugar intake.
– Ground cinnamon is also more versatile than whole cinnamon sticks. You can use it in sweet or savory recipes, whereas whole cinnamon sticks are typically used only in sweet dishes.
FAQs
What is the best way to grind cinnamon sticks?
The best way to grind cinnamon sticks is to use a coffee grinder or food processor. You can also use a high-speed blender or a spice grinder, but these methods are more expensive.
How fine should I grind my cinnamon sticks?
It depends on your preference. If you want a really fine powder, use a microplane zester or a mortar and pestle. If you don’t have either of these tools, you can use a Ziploc bag and a meat tenderizer to break up the cinnamon sticks. Once they’re broken up, use a coffee grinder or food processor to pulse them into a powder. Be sure to work in small batches so that the cinnamon doesn’t become too fine.
Can I use ground cinnamon in place of whole cinnamon sticks?
Yes, you can use ground cinnamon in place of whole cinnamon sticks. Ground cinnamon is more versatile than whole cinnamon sticks and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. It’s also easier to measure out small amounts of ground cinnamon than it is to measure out whole sticks.
Conclusion
Ground cinnamon is a great option for those who want the benefits of cinnamon without having to deal with whole sticks. It’s more versatile than whole cinnamon sticks, and it’s easier to measure out small amounts. Additionally, ground cinnamon has a stronger flavor than whole cinnamon sticks, so you don’t need as much to get the desired flavor.
