Does ground cinnamon expire?
In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “does ground cinnamon expire” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not ground cinnamon expires. Moreover, we are going to discuss the tips to properly store cinnamon and the ways to spot bad cinnamon.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
Does ground cinnamon expire?
Yes, like any other food item ground cinnamon tends to go bad after a certain time. But when we say that cinnamon or any other spice has gone bad or has expired what we are referring to is that it has lost its peak flavor, aroma, color, and overall quality. Thus ground cinnamon tends to lose its flavor over time and you will not get the same great flavor and aroma from old cinnamon as the one you get from the fresh one.
The ground cinnamon lasts for about 2-3 years easily when it is kept in a cool, dry, and dark place but we recommend you to use it within a year to enjoy its prime quality. After this time the flavor and the aroma of the cinnamon start to fade. Moreover, you should always store your ground cinnamon in an air-tight container or plastic zipper bag in a cool, dry, and dark corner of your pantry away from direct sunlight and heat.
The ground cinnamon has really small particles having a large surface area, therefore, the ground cinnamon tends to lose its characteristic flavor and aroma at a faster pace as compared to the whole cinnamon sticks.
You can read about the benefits of cinnamon here.
Can I store ground cinnamon in the refrigerator?
It is not advised to store the ground cinnamon in the refrigerator as the moisture content of the refrigerator is quite high and it can reduce the quality of the cinnamon. If you still want to store it in the refrigerator then it is recommended to keep it in vacuum-sealed containers or bags.
Can I store ground cinnamon in the freezer?
It is not advised to store ground cinnamon in the freezer owing to the high moisture content of the freezer. But if you still want to store it is better to store it in a vacuum-sealed bag or container.
How should I store ground cinnamon?
- Moisture is an enemy of the freshness and flavor of the ground cinnamon therefore ground cinnamon should be kept in air-tight containers or air-tight jars to reduce its exposure to air.
- You should never use wet spoons to take the ground cinnamon out of its container or jar.
- It is best practice to store ground cinnamon at room temperature as the fluctuations in temperature can affect the rich flavors of cinnamon negatively. Moreover do not store them near a stove or air conditioner.
- It is not advised to store the ground cinnamon in the refrigerator as the moisture content of the refrigerator is quite high and it can reduce the quality of the cinnamon. If you still want to store it in the refrigerator then it is recommended to keep it in vacuum-sealed containers.
- Cinnamon should be kept in a cool, dry, and dark place. A cool and dry corner of your pantry can serve this purpose nicely.
- Do not unnecessarily open the lid of the cinnamon jar or bottle and seal it again as soon as possible after scooping out the ground cinnamon that you need.
How to tell if your ground cinnamon has gone bad?
You can tell whether or not ground cinnamon has gone bad by considering its color, texture, and smell.
The absence of the characteristic aroma or the weak aroma of the cinnamon is the indication that it is past its prime time.
If you see some clumps formed in your ground cinnamon, this can be the indication that your cinnamon has gone bad and it won’t have the same flavor or aroma anymore. The reason behind the formation of these clumps in ground cinnamon is that the moisture has found its way inside it. This can happen if you have not stored the cinnamon properly or have used a wet spoon to scoop the cinnamon out of its container. Moreover, if you see some mold in your cinnamon you should discard it.
The color of fresh cinnamon is bright so if you notice dull or greyish hues then it means that your cinnamon has gone bad and it is better to toss it out.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “does ground cinnamon expire” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not ground cinnamon expires. Moreover, we are going to discuss the tips to properly store cinnamon and the ways to spot bad cinnamon.
Citations
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/do-spices-expire#storage-tips
