Cinnamon is one of the best addition you can add to your coffee as it has a spicy and sweet taste.
Cinnamon is a usual recommendation by many people when they want to add something sweet to their coffees rather than sugar or syrups.
Why do we suggest cinnamon? Because it is healthy and also it helps to enhance the flavors and notes of coffee. You can add cinnamon to an espresso, drip brew, or even americano.
Some might feel a little awkward with the fact of adding cinnamon to their coffees. But in the eastern cultures adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper is common. They add these spices not only for the taste but also for the health benefits that are offered.
But here we are just going to talk about cinnamon, so you can get to know everything about it. You will know why having a little cinnamon in your coffee is good, and also, this might make you consider adding it every day to your brew.
Here are some of the reasons why you should add cinnamon to coffee
Improves the overall flavor of coffee – Now this is what we have already talked about, and many people might already know about this.
Antioxidant – Cinnamon has more antioxidants than any other antioxidant-containing food.
Diabetics – Consuming cinnamon helps to control cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar.
Benefits your teeth – Cinnamon is a good food to reduce decay and bacteria from your mouth, and that is why many kinds of toothpaste tend to have cinnamon as an ingredient.
Doesn’t make you feel hungry – We won’t go any deeper into this but, simply it affects some of the brain chemicals which are connected to glucose and cholesterol.
Good for the immune system – Cinnamon helps to improve the immune system and keeps your stomach calm.
Nutrients and vitamins – It is an incredible source of manganese, fiber, calcium, vitamin k, and iron.
Improves your focus – The aroma of cinnamon oil provides an intense jolt to your brain and helps to improve focus.
Cinnamon is anti-microbial – Some studies have shown that cinnamon can get rid of various common infections.
Helps to free up nasal – The aroma of cinnamon can help to eliminate mucus, and also improve membranes near your sinuses.
Weight loss – It stops some of the effects of fast food that are harmful to your body. This ultimately helps to lose weight.
Inflammatory conditions – Some old studies have shown that eating cinnamon could help to reduce inflammation or problems related to it.
Helps in blood circulation – Cinnamon is also known as a warming spice, which means it can increase blood flow.
Helps with yeast infection – Regular intake of cinnamon with your brew can help keep infections like yeast away.
History of Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an old ingredient used in medicines and cooking, some believe it has been used since 2000 BC. Cinnamon is one of the first traded spices by the Arabs. So, it is safe to say that cinnamon has been part of our recipe books for a long time.
Cinnamon is also called Ceylon Cinnamon and comes from a tree named Cinnamomum Verum found in Sri Lanka. And the other rest is grown in Burma, China, and Vietnam.
Harvesting of Cinnamon
The process has not changed for thousands of years, farmers still remove the outer side from the trees, then collect the inner part (the delicious part.) This is the start of the process.
The collected inner bark is kept to dry out for about a week. While drying, the barks curl up into a stick (which we call cinnamon stick.)
Types of Cinnamon
There are two basic types of cinnamons used today. One that we have already discussed, Ceylon cinnamon. And the other is Cassia cinnamon, which is the most common cinnamon that is found in general stores of America.
Both of these cinnamons have the same taste and aroma when compared. The difference is that they are produced in different places. Both of these are usually used reciprocally. So, when you see that label saying “true” don’t fall for it.
Ceylon
The taste of Ceylon is sweeter, milder, bright, and citrusy than usual cinnamon. This cinnamon is mostly found in Mexico and England, while in the United States it’s still not quite popular.
Cassia
This one is much stronger and spicy in taste than Ceylon. This is the original cinnamon found in most U.S. markets. This cinnamon’s bark is obtained from the cassia tree.
Ground or whole Cinnamon
No matter which you use, if you store them correctly, they can stay good and edible for a long time. Also, like coffee grounds, pre grounded spices could lose their taste quickly, this could make cinnamon go bland in taste.
If you have a grinder with blades, it could be used to grind cinnamon whenever you want to use it.
Using Cinnamon in Coffee
Instead of using syrups, sugar, or cream try using a tablespoon worth of cinnamon, this will save up to 70+ calories for each cup of coffee. Also, it will help you to boost your metabolism. Here are some tips on how to use cinnamon in your coffee –
- Before the brewing process add some cinnamon to your portafilter or filter. Then add your coffee and brew as you would normally do. For instance, we have added half stick of cinnamon with coffee into a French press. After brewing the coffee tastes delicious and strong in flavor.
- This might be a little common for you. Have you seen someone adding/sprinkling cinnamon on top of their Cappuccino, latte, or Macchiato? You can add this in milk or with any substitute for milk.
- If you are looking to get a very subtle taste and flavor of cinnamon in your coffee, then try putting the cinnamon sticks in your coffee beans container. This will give the same subtle flavor to each future coffee you brew.
- You can add cinnamon before or after brewing in a Long black or Americano coffee.
Closure
Now you understand why people use Cinnamon in their coffees. It’s healthy and tasty. When you are purchasing Cinnamon whether it’s cassia or Ceylon try looking for cinnamon sticks instead of grounds as ground cinnamon only lasts 6 months (if kept in ideal conditions). You can buy these from an online store or regular grocery store. Remember cinnamon sticks could last up to 2 years.
Also, keep in mind that the original cinnamon sticks are curled up and have a thinner bark compared to cassia cinnamon. Cassia sticks are thicker and have a slight bend or might not even have a curl.
