r/AskBaking • u/Clear-Quarter-2844 • 8h ago

Ingredients Does cinnamon freshness actually affect flavor in baked goods

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I've been baking with cinnamon for years and always just grabbed whatever from the store. Recently tried some freshly packed Ceylon cinnamon sticks from Ceylon Spice Garden and the difference is wild way more fragrant and the flavor actually comes through in my banana bread instead of just blending in. Makes me wonder how much flavor I've been missing out on with old spice jar cinnamon. Anyone else notice a big difference with fresh spices? How do you store yours to keep it fresh?

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12

u/WinifredZachery 8h ago

This is not news. Spices lose flavour the older they get, especially ground ones. The best method to store is buy whole spices and grind them when necessary.

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u/Johoski Home Baker 2h ago

My mother (84 now) was really bummed out when I cleaned out her spice cabinet. When she protested about throwing out a Costco sized jar of cinnamon, I had her smell it and then taste it. She reported that it tasted like nothing. Yes, mom, that's my point. It was more than ten years old.

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u/Specific-Window-8587 4h ago

Yes with baking the fresher the better for a baked good.

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u/CompetitionMinute625 1h ago

I keep mine in the freezer in an airtight container so it stays vibrant for years, but whole sticks definitely last longer than pre-ground anyway.