Cinnamon is perfect for baking sweet treats like cookies, cinnamon rolls, and sweet-tooth desserts. It can also be used in savory dishes like meat dishes or vegetable stir-fries with fried rice.
In this article, we will find out if cinnamon goes bad or not. Also, ways to store them and how to keep them fresh longer.
Does Cinnamon Go Bad?
Just like any other spice, cinnamon turns bad if it’s not stored properly. It stays good for a year but should be used as soon as possible after purchasing or grinding fresh sticks.
Cinnamon is often considered to be better for your health than sugar. It has a lot of benefits but it can still go bad.
In general, cinnamon does not go bad as long as it is stored in a sealed container. The process of going bad starts when Cinnamon is exposed to moisture and air. Once this happens, the moisture turns into molds that absorb the oils from the cinnamon sticks.
How Long Does Cinnamon Last?
At room temperature, cinnamon shelf life is generally 5-6 months.
It can be stored in a refrigerator for up to three months and for up to six months in the freezer.
Here are some factors that affect the shelf life of cinnamon:
- The composition and quality of cinnamon are important when determining how long it will last. For example, ground cinnamon lasts longer than whole sticks because the ground spice is more likely to be spread out in storage while whole sticks have a more concentrated flavor which causes them to be more prone to spoilage.
- Cinnamon may last for up to three months if refrigerated properly, but can also spoil quickly if exposed to heat or humidity levels that are too high.
- The shelf life of cinnamon depends on the type of product you are storing it in, how you keep it, and what you store with it. Cinnamon will last on average for 6 months if stored properly in an airtight container.
How to Tell If Cinnamon Is Bad?
When it comes to cooking, everyone has their own opinion on how to tell if cinnamon is bad. There are some signs that indicate that the cinnamon is gone bad.
If you want to make sure that your cinnamon is not spoiled, check for these three signs before using the spice in a recipe:
- It starts to smell funny or changes color over time
- There are visible moldy spots on the packaging or container
- It sticks to your hands when you touch it
- Cinnamon is hard
How to Store Cinnamon
Here is a quick and easy way to store cinnamon. It will help you avoid wasting your cinnamon when you have a lot of it.
The best way to store cinnamon is in an airtight container. You can also wrap it in plastic wrap or cling film, or place it in a jar with a lid.
Storing cinnamon at room temperature is the best way to preserve its flavor for a long time. The pantry or cupboard is recommended to avoid losing some of its aromas.
However, if you are looking to store it for a long period, you can put it in an airtight container or wrap it completely with plastic wrap before storing it.
The other way you can store your cinnamon is by placing it in a container filled with about an inch of white rice. This will absorb moisture that might otherwise get into your cinnamon and damage its flavor or aroma.
Another way to store cinnamon is in the refrigerator. It should be stored in an airtight container or wrapped with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent moisture from getting inside of it and damaging its flavor or aroma.
How To Keep Cinnamon Fresh Longer
Cinnamon comes in many forms with different storage requirements. To store cinnamon properly so that it lasts for a long time without spoiling or losing its flavor or fragrance, these are some things you can do:
-Store the ground cinnamon in an airtight container.
-Store whole sticks of cinnamon in an airtight container with all the leaves removed. This form of cinnamon will last up to 3 years on average.
Related Questions
Is it OK to eat expired cinnamon?
The answer is yes, it is OK to eat expired cinnamon. There are no known medical side effects or reactions. The expiration date on the cinnamon container is not a guarantee that the spice will spoil, but only an estimate of when the spice will start to lose its flavor and aroma.
When cinnamon loses its flavor, it starts to turn brown because of oxidation. Cinnamon oxidizes when exposed to air and light for too long because it contains sulfides which react with oxygen in the air.
According to research, expired spices are still edible if handled properly and stored in sealed containers in cool, dark places like cabinets or pantries away from heat sources like windowsills.