How to Use Cinnamon Extract?
To use cinnamon extract, start by making your own at home using fresh cinnamon sticks and alcohol.
Cut the cinnamon sticks to fit into a jar if necessary.
Pour 2 cups of unflavored vodka or 190 proof Everclear over 4 whole cinnamon sticks in a pint jar, ensuring the sticks are fully submerged.
Cover the jar and let it rest in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking the jar once a week.
After the extraction process, remove the cinnamon sticks and your homemade cinnamon extract is ready to use.
This extract can be substituted for ground cinnamon in recipes and can be added to baked goods, coffees, hot chocolates, and cocktails for a delicious cinnamon flavor.
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. Cinnamon extract, derived from the bark of the Cinnamomum tree, was once more valuable than gold during ancient times.
2. In ancient Egypt, cinnamon was used as a perfuming agent during the embalming process, often preserving mummies with its aromatic properties.
3. Cinnamon was a popular ingredient in ancient Roman love potions, believed to arouse desire and passion when consumed.
4. The word “cinnamon” comes from the ancient Hebrew word “qinnamon,” which means “fragrant spice.”
5. During the medieval period, cinnamon was so highly prized that traders often disguised its origin, claiming it came from mythical lands like Arabia or India, in order to increase its desirability and price.
Homemade Cinnamon Extract As A Substitute For Ground Cinnamon
When it comes to adding a warm and aromatic touch to your recipes, cinnamon is a popular choice. However, if you find yourself running out of ground cinnamon or simply prefer a more concentrated flavor, homemade cinnamon extract can be an excellent substitute. By using this extract, you can infuse your dishes with the distinct taste and aroma of cinnamon, enhancing their overall appeal and flavor profile.
Cost-Saving Benefits Of Making Cinnamon Extract At Home
One of the most compelling reasons to make cinnamon extract at home is the significant cost savings compared to purchasing it from stores. While store-bought extracts may be convenient, they often come with hefty price tags. By making your own cinnamon extract, you not only save money but also have the opportunity to customize the flavor and quality to suit your preferences.
- Making cinnamon extract at home saves money compared to store-bought options.
- Homemade extract allows you to customize the flavor and quality.
- Store-bought extracts can be expensive, but by making your own, you can enjoy the benefits at a lower cost.
- Be your own extract connoisseur by creating a cinnamon extract that perfectly suits your taste buds.
- By controlling the extraction process, you can ensure a higher quality extract compared to store-bought alternatives.
“Making your own cinnamon extract not only saves money but also allows you to have complete control over the flavor and quality.”
Enhancing Flavor With Fresh Cinnamon Sticks
For a more authentic and robust cinnamon flavor, it is highly recommended to use fresh cinnamon sticks when making your extract. The essential oils present in fresh cinnamon provide a richer and more intense flavor profile compared to pre-ground cinnamon. By using fresh cinnamon sticks, you can elevate the taste experience of your culinary creations to a whole new level.
- Using fresh cinnamon sticks ensures a more authentic flavor
- The essential oils in fresh cinnamon provide a richer and more intense taste
- Elevate the taste experience of your culinary creations to a whole new level when using fresh cinnamon sticks.
Adjusting Cinnamon Sticks For Jar Placement
Cinnamon sticks often come in varying lengths, and it may be necessary to cut them to fit the jar you are using for your extract. Ensure that the cinnamon sticks are of a suitable size to be submerged in the liquid, as this will allow the extract to fully extract the flavors from the bark. By making this small adjustment, you ensure that the cinnamon sticks are efficiently utilized in the extraction process, resulting in a more potent and flavorful extract.
Extracting Flavors With Alcohol And Preferred Options
To extract the flavors from the cinnamon bark, alcohol is essential as a solvent. The preferred choice for making cinnamon extract is 190 proof Everclear, as it provides a high alcohol content necessary for efficient extraction. However, if Everclear is not available, vodka can be used as an alternative, albeit with slightly lower alcohol content.
- Alcohol is essential for extracting flavors from cinnamon bark.
- 190 proof Everclear is the preferred choice due to its high alcohol content.
- If Everclear is not available, vodka can be used as an alternative.
Timeframe And Process For Making Cinnamon Extract At Home
Making cinnamon extract at home requires patience, but the end result is undoubtedly worth the wait. The process involves:
- Placing the cinnamon sticks in a jar
- Pouring the alcohol over them to submerge them completely
- Leaving the mixture in a cool, dark place for 9-10 weeks
- Shaking the jar once a week to ensure proper extraction.
Note: Using a sous vide machine can accelerate the process. By setting a sous vide bath to 135°F (57°C) for 2-3 hours, the extraction time can be reduced to a few hours. However, this method is optional and not necessary for a successful cinnamon extract.
Once the extract reaches its desired potency and smells strongly of cinnamon, it is ready for use. Remove the cinnamon sticks from the jar, and you can begin incorporating the extract into your favorite recipes.
Some delicious ways to use cinnamon extract include:
- Adding a dash to your morning coffee
- Infusing it into hot chocolates
- Using it in your baking endeavors
- Creating unique cinnamon-infused cocktails
In conclusion, making your own cinnamon extract at home allows for a cost-effective way to enjoy the versatile flavor and aroma of cinnamon. By using fresh cinnamon sticks and following the recommended extraction process, you can create a highly concentrated and robust extract that enhances the taste of your dishes. Embark on this delightful culinary journey and savor the health benefits and wonderful flavors that homemade cinnamon extract has to offer.
- Placing cinnamon sticks in a jar
- Pouring alcohol over the sticks
- Leaving the mixture in a cool, dark place for 9-10 weeks
- Shaking the jar once a week for proper extraction
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use pure cinnamon extract?
To use pure cinnamon extract, simply add it to your baking recipes to infuse them with a delightful cinnamon flavor. The recommended amount is one teaspoon, or 0.50% by weight of the dry ingredients in your baking mix. This extract is made with a combination of ethyl alcohol, water, and oil from cinnamon bark, providing a natural and aromatic touch to your baked goods.
What is cinnamon extract used for?
Apart from its common uses as a spice and flavor enhancer, cinnamon extract has gained popularity for its additional benefits. Due to its refreshing properties and ability to combat bad breath, cinnamon extract is frequently added to flavor chewing gums, providing an added burst of freshness. Furthermore, cinnamon extract has shown promise in promoting colon health, potentially reducing the risk of colon cancer. With its potential health benefits and refreshing properties, cinnamon extract serves as a versatile ingredient in various products.
How much cinnamon extract should you take?
Since cinnamon is not yet scientifically proven as a treatment, there is no established recommended dose. However, according to some experts, consuming 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (2-4 grams) of cinnamon powder daily can be considered. Various studies have utilized doses ranging from 1 gram to 6 grams of cinnamon, but it is important to exercise caution with high amounts of cinnamon as they may have adverse effects. Taking appropriate amounts and being aware of potential toxicity is essential when incorporating cinnamon into your diet as a supplement.
Is cinnamon extract better than powder?
While both cinnamon extract and powder have their own merits, the effectiveness seems to lean towards ground cinnamon powder. Numerous studies have revealed that ground cinnamon exhibits greater benefits compared to its extract counterpart. Additionally, clinical research suggests that Chinese cinnamon, rather than Ceylon cinnamon, displays higher efficacy. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for ground cinnamon rather than its extract form if one aims to maximize its potential benefits.