In this article, we will answer the question does cinnamon go bad and how to store cinnamon and how long does it last.
Cinnamon is one of the oldest, most exotic spices. The spice is aromatic and elevates the taste of any food when added to it. Apart from the aroma, cinnamon has several medicinal properties. Cinnamon lowers blood sugar, is an anti-inflammatory agent, and is high in antioxidants.
Suppose you’ve found a fantastic recipe that requires cinnamon, and you’re looking for which sachet size to buy. Since there are multiple sachet sizes on the market, there’s a chance you might buy more than you require.
If that’s the case, you might be worried about cinnamon going bad. So, it is important to know how to store it. That way, you can save your trusted spice for future recipes! In this article, we’ll discuss how to store cinnamon properly.
How Long Does Cinnamon Last?
In general, spices have a long shelf-life when stored correctly. In cinnamon’s case, how long depends on whether you’re using whole cinnamon sticks or the ground variety. The life of cinnamon depends on whether it’s natural or processed.
For instance, cinnamon sticks can be safe to use for around four years or longer, provided they’re stored somewhere safe. Besides, if you buy cinnamon sticks, grinding them to powder can be easy with the new age affordable spice blenders available these days.
On the other hand, ground cinnamon stays fresh for about a year or two before the intensity in the flavor wanes. This version is best for regular cinnamon users and works best when stored somewhere cool.
Cinnamon comes in other variants, e.g., cinnamon sugar, made from a blend of cinnamon and sugar. This blend is typical in breakfast foods and makes the perfect combination since none of the ingredients go bad.
Although you may need to stir the combo each time you use it, cinnamon sugar can stay fresh for months with the correct storage.
We have already established that cinnamon ages well; that doesn’t mean that it’ll enhance the durability of whichever recipe you’re making. When used in food, cinnamon will last as long as the most perishable ingredient in it.
Regardless of your preferred choice, cinnamon packages come with a sell-by date. This date doesn’t necessarily mean that the spice is perishable; it’s merely a suggestion on the duration when your cinnamon will taste best.
Optimal Cinnamon Storage Options
Spices need to be kept in an airtight container to preserve their freshness and flavor. If you’ve bought your ground cinnamon in a sachet, transferring it into a resealable storage bag is a great idea.
Resealable bags such as the aluminum bags by Mylar are an excellent choice to keep moisture and contaminants out. Plus, the bags preserve your cinnamon’s aroma and flavor.
You can also choose airtight mason or glass jars to store your cinnamon sticks, sugar, or ground cinnamon in. TIANGR airtight glass jars can hold about 7 oz each.
They’re made with food-safe ingredients such as silicone and bamboo wood lids which are also relatively easy to clean. Metal containers such as tin cans can be subject to rust, which will affect the taste of your cinnamon.
Cinnamon doesn’t do well in high temperatures, so placing it somewhere near your stove is a terrible idea. Too much light can also affect its shelf-life. Storing your cinnamon in a safe container inside your pantry is the perfect way to keep your cinnamon fresh for longer.
Moreover, freezing is a common way of keeping food fresh for longer, but this technique doesn’t work with spices. Because moisture spoils spices, the condensation from a freezer will spoil your cinnamon.
Warning Signs to Look Out for When Cinnamon Goes Bad
When stored incorrectly, cinnamon can be contaminated, which may cause you harm. Here are the signs to check for bad cinnamon:
- Signs of Mold or Clumpy Cinnamon: Moldy or clumpy cinnamon is a sign of moisture. Now clumpy cinnamon isn’t bad, as long as you know what kind of moisture contamination it is. Mold or any other growth is cause for discarding.
- Strange Taste: If your cinnamon tastes different, then that is a sign of inadequate storage practice. If it tastes different, get rid of it. If it tastes weaker, you can revive the taste by heating it in a pan for a bit. This will help release its oil.
- Weak Aroma: Weak aroma shows exposure to elements. Storing cinnamon in a container with a loose lid or an open sachet is the most common culprit behind the issue.
Final Thoughts On Does Cinnamon Go Bad?
Cinnamon has a myriad of uses, especially in pastries and breakfast foods. You can store it for years without the cinnamon going bad. Moreover, it can still be useful even when the taste is different.
There are situations where you may be required to throw out spices, such as if it changes color, smells rotten, or is rancid. Because of its extended shelf-life, cinnamon is an excellent spice to buy in bulk. Take our advice and make sure you store it correctly!