Yes, you absolutely can crush cinnamon, particularly cinnamon sticks, to create your own ground cinnamon. This process allows you to enjoy the freshest and most aromatic spice.
Why Crush Your Own Cinnamon?
Crushing whole cinnamon sticks at home offers several advantages over using pre-ground cinnamon. Freshly crushed cinnamon retains more of its volatile oils, resulting in a significantly stronger and more vibrant flavor and aroma. This can elevate your culinary creations, from baked goods to savory dishes and beverages.
Essential Tools for Crushing Cinnamon
The most effective and common method for crushing cinnamon sticks involves mechanical means. According to the reference provided, a spice grinder is specifically designed for this task.
Here are the primary tools you can use:
- Spice Grinder: This is the most recommended tool. As highlighted in the reference, "A spice grinder... is specifically what it's made for... to grind spices. And cinnamon sticks." Spice grinders efficiently break down tough cinnamon sticks into a fine powder.
- Coffee Grinder (dedicated): A clean coffee grinder can also be used, but it's best to dedicate one solely for spices to prevent flavor transfer between coffee and cinnamon.
- Mortar and Pestle: For a more traditional and manual approach, a sturdy mortar and pestle can effectively crush cinnamon sticks. This method allows for better control over the texture, from coarse to fine powder.
Tool Comparison Table
| Tool Name | Ease of Use | Speed | Resulting Texture | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spice Grinder | High | Very Fast | Fine to Medium | Quick, uniform grinding |
| Coffee Grinder | High | Very Fast | Fine to Medium | Similar to spice grinder |
| Mortar and Pestle | Medium | Slow | Coarse to Fine | Small batches, control over texture |
How to Crush Cinnamon Sticks
The process of crushing cinnamon sticks is straightforward, especially with a spice grinder.
Using a Spice Grinder:
- Break Sticks (Optional): If your cinnamon sticks are very long, you might want to break them into smaller pieces (1-2 inches) to fit better into the grinder's chamber.
- Load the Grinder: Place the cinnamon stick pieces into the spice grinder. Avoid overfilling.
- Grind: Secure the lid and pulse or grind continuously until your desired consistency is achieved. For a fine powder, you may need to grind for 10-30 seconds, pausing to shake the grinder and ensure even grinding.
- Store: Once finely ground, transfer your fresh cinnamon powder to an airtight container.
Tips for Best Results:
- Start with Quality: Use fresh, aromatic cinnamon sticks for the best flavor.
- Grind in Batches: Avoid overwhelming your grinder; process smaller amounts if needed.
- Cool Down: If grinding large quantities, give your grinder short breaks to prevent overheating.
- Store Properly: Store freshly ground cinnamon in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to preserve its potency. It will generally retain its peak flavor for about 6 months, though it can last longer.
Crushing your own cinnamon is a simple and rewarding way to enhance your cooking and baking with superior flavor and aroma.
