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How to Reuse Cinnamon Sticks

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You can reuse and store cinnamon sticks for up to a year to get the most out of their spice. Cinnamon sticks are curled sections of inner bark from trees of the genus Cinnamomum. The majority of stick and ground cinnamon that is sold throughout the world comes from the large Cinnamomum zeylanicum tree. Proper storage of cinnamon protects the flavorful oils of any cinnamon variety between each use. Make cinnamon sticks last longer by taking only what you need and keeping the remainder for another day.

Break off the portion of the cinnamon stick you plan to use for the individual recipe with a pair of clean pliers or basic hinged nutcracker. Grind the broken-off portion of the stick so it can be measured for future recipes. Break and grind more as needed.

  • You can reuse and store cinnamon sticks for up to a year to get the most out of their spice.
  • Break off the portion of the cinnamon stick you plan to use for the individual recipe with a pair of clean pliers or basic hinged nutcracker.

Place the finished sticks in a small, airtight container and seal it securely. Use masking tape and a permanent marker to label the container with an expiration date (exactly one year from the storing date) and the words "cinnamon sticks."

Place the sealed container in the refrigerator so the label is visible. Reuse and restore the sticks as necessary until the expiration date is reached.

Make Your House Smell Good With Cinnamon Sticks

Whether you are trying to mask an unfortunate mistake in the kitchen or just trying to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home, the scent of cinnamon can be pleasant and homey. Add two or three cinnamon sticks to the saucepan. Push the cinnamon sticks under the water to submerge them completely. These scents complement the cinnamon scent and produce a pleasing aroma. When the water level goes down, add more water to keep it at the same level.

  • Place the finished sticks in a small, airtight container and seal it securely.
  • Push the cinnamon sticks under the water to submerge them completely.

Tip

Simmer the leftover scraps of cinnamon sticks in a spiced tea or stew to extract the oils.

A dark container that blocks light from the contents is ideal.

Wrap the individual sticks in aluminum foil to protect them from light if you do not have a dark container.

Warning

Cinnamon sticks with little aroma or a musty smell probably already have exceeded their expiration and should not be purchased.

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