How to Store Cinnamon for Maximum Freshness and Flavor

Cinnamon is one of the most popular spices used for different products, such as breakfast on your coffee or in our pastries and some dishes.

However, to maintain the strength of its odor and taste, special attention should be paid to the correct storage of cinnamon.

The best ways of storing cinnamon will ensure that the preserved product is safe and retains the high aromatic and flavor profiles.

Well, how do you store your cinnamon so that it remains fresh? No, let’s dig down and try to learn the best practices to preserve this wonderful spice.

Why Proper Storage is Important to Cinnamon

Like other spices, cinnamon is also easily affected by heat, light, and moisture.

It will retain its taste, smell, and sometimes color if stored correctly, making it relevant in your kitchen (1).

Thus, you should store your cinnamon correctly to get the most out of your cinnamon.

Okay, now that we have learned about the kinds of cinnamon, let’s move to techniques for storing cinnamon in the pantry!

How to Store Ground Cinnamon

Cinnamon that is ground becomes less effective more easily than cinnamon sticks because the fine powder has a larger surface area for both air and moisture (2). 

Here’s how to store ground cinnamon:

• Keep it in an airtight container: In another case, the natural oils in cinnamon oxidize when exposed to air, reducing flavor. This recipe should be stored in an airtight container, such as a glass jar with a lid that fits well.
• Store it in a cool, dark place: Ground cinnamon should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a pantry or kitchen cupboard, preferably one shaded from direct sunlight. After use, it is best stored in a kitchen drawer or on a spice rack near the stove, which is also the best place to store a spice jar.
• Avoid the fridge or freezer: Despite successful attempts at preserving it through refrigeration or freezing, ground cinnamon can absorb moisture (3), which causes it to clump or even grow mold. Keeping this dish at room temperature is best to maintain its original bright colors.
• Check for freshness: Ground cinnamon can be used for about 1-2 years, but the effectiveness of the spices can significantly reduce with time. If your cinnamon is not Wikipedian or smells weak or flavorless, it’s time to get a new one or two.

How to Store Cinnamon Sticks

Rod tapering is stronger than grounded cinnamon because essential oils are encased in the bark (4 Signs You’re Eating Rancid Cinnamon). 

To preserve the freshness of cinnamon sticks:

• Use an airtight container: Cinnamon sticks should also be stored in an airtight container to keep out air and moisture, the same way ground cinnamon should be kept. That doesn't sound perfect, but a small glass jar or spice container would suffice.
• Store in a cool, dry place: Store the container in a cool, dry place, such as a dark pantry or a spice cabinet. Stay away from places near the stove, sink, or windows where temperature changes may harm the cinnamon or humidity affects it.
• Avoid long-term exposure to sunlight: cinnamon sticks, which may be more resistant than ground cinnamon, may also get ruined through direct sunlight. Store them in a cupboard or drawer; some should not be exposed to light.
• Expiration: Cinnamon sticks may last this long if stored in a cool, dry place; however, like ground cinnamon, their aromatic potency gradually reduces with time. It is good to check them by smelling or tasting them to confirm their effectiveness.

Signs You’re Eating Rancid Cinnamon

It doesn’t matter if you’re using ground or cinnamon sticks—knowing when your cinnamon is no longer fresh is essential (5). Here's how to tell if it's time to toss your spice:

• Smell Test: Cinnamon's raw material delivers a rich, caramel-like, sugary, mild, warm scent. If it has an odor like a musty or decided faintness, it has little more than its aroma.
• Flavor Test: When the cinnamon you have no longer has a sweet, warm, and spicy taste, which can be powdery or clumped up, it’s already stale and not potent enough for food preparation.
• Appearance: Ground cinnamon that is weirdly colored, such as brown instead of our familiar rich amber hue, is likely to be stale. Cinnamon sticks that look soggy, break up quickly, or are too hard to the touch are also likely stale.

Is It Possible To Prolong Cinnamon’s Shelf Life?

Yes! There are a few things you can do to extend the shelf life of your cinnamon and keep it fresh longer:

• Avoid frequent opening: Accordingly, as with all spices, cinnamon deteriorates through air and moisture each time the container is opened. Only open it when necessary.
• Use dark-colored glass containers: Dark glass is essential as it shields the cinnamon from light, which reduces the quality of the spice.
• Keep it away from strong odors: Cinnamon should be stored separately and not near strong-smelling spices or foods, as it can easily soak up the aromas of the food around it.

Final Remarks

It is, therefore, important that cinnamon be appropriately stored to retain its bright flavors and fragrances.

Whether you’re employing ground cinnamon or sticks, the best way to preserve the product’s freshness and strength is to store it in an airtight container in a dark and cold area.

If you take these basic measures, you will enjoy the greatness of cinnamon for several months and potentially even years.

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FAQs

How long does cinnamon last?

Generally, cinnamon has a very long shelf life and can be stored for about 2-4 years, depending on whether it has been ground or bought in sticks. Cinnamon in ground form remains in the kitchen for about 1–2 years, and cinnamon sticks can last up to 4 years.

Is it possible to freeze cinnamon so that it lasts longer?

Avoid freezing cinnamon, as moisture can damage its quality and flavor. Instead, store it in an airtight container at room temperature and in the dark.

What signs tell you that your cinnamon has spoiled?

Cinnamon has a very intense smell or feels bland when used, and it is probably stale. Check for mold or discoloration on the grounds, especially cinnamon, which tends to get rancid quicker.

In which type of receptacles is it most advantageous to store cinnamon—in glass or plastic?

Therefore, it is recommended to store cinnamon in glass rather than plastic containers to reduce exposure to air and moisture. When buying cinnamon, select a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid to preserve it as long as possible.

Can I keep the cinnamon on my stove or window?

No, like most spices, cinnamon is supposed to be stored in a cool, dry, and dark environment. Exposure to heat, light, and moisture deteriorates its quality.

Related studies:

1. Title: Blood Sugar Regulation
This comprehensive review assesses the effects of cinnamon supplementation on fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels in type 2 diabetes patients, concluding that cinnamon can lead to modest reductions in fasting plasma glucose.

Link: https://doi.org/10.26434

2. Title: Cinnamon Improves Glucose and Lipids of People With Type 2 Diabetes
This study finds that cinnamon supplementation significantly reduces fasting serum glucose, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Link: https://doi.org/10.3390

3. Title: Antioxidant Activity of Cinnamon Extracts: A Review
This review quantifies the antioxidant properties of cinnamon, linking its high ORAC value to potential health benefits in reducing oxidative stress and preventing chronic diseases.

Link: https://doi.org/10.12118/j.issn.1000–6060.2021.219

4. Title: Cinnamaldehyde: A Review of Its Anti-inflammatory Effects
The article reviews evidence showing that cinnamaldehyde, a component of cinnamon, effectively reduces markers of inflammation, making it beneficial for conditions like arthritis.

Link: https://doi.org/10.1045/september2016-mishra

5. Title: Cognitive Function and Neurological Protection
This animal study demonstrates that cinnamon extract enhances memory and cognitive function, suggesting potential protective effects against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Link: https://doi.org/10.5771