Cinnamon juice is a flavorful extract of the cinnamon sticks used to flavor various foods and drinks, such as, juices, cocktails, teas and even baked products. Though cinnamon is a spice, its juice can be added to both sweet and savory foods.
The flavor of the juice is charecterized by an intense and sweet aroma owing to an essential oil produced by pounding the barks of cinnamon spice. The golden-yellow color of the juice or oil becomes dark as it ages with the absorption of oxygen.
Besides consumption, cinnamon juice is widely popular as a food preservative and mosquito repellent.
History of Cinnamon Juice
The consumption of cinnamon and its juice dates back to 4000 years ago and the fact is corroborated by the Bible as well. The cinnamon trees are considered native to South East Asia, but in Europe the origin of these trees was a mystery until 16th century. The spice was exported to Egypt in 2000 BCE and was confused with ‘cassia’ in China. It is also believed that cinnamon spice is native to Sri Lanka. However, the uses of cinnamon, as a spice, are world-famous..
Culinary Uses of Cinnamon Juice
Cinnamon juice is primarily incorporated in cookery as a flavoring agent in drinks as well as in foods. Mexico is the largest importer of cinnamon and widely uses the spice to flavor chocolates. Candies, liquers, tea, cocoa drinks and even alcoholic drinks are flavored with the juice of cinnamon.
True cinnamon juice is a tasty addition to sweet as well as baked dishes such as apple pie, spiced donuts and cinnamon buns. In Middle East, savory dishes like chicken and lamb dishes include this spice juice or cinnamon powder as one of the main ingredient.
Cuisine of America also makes good use of cinnamon juice in flavoring breakfast cereals, fruits and desserts. It is an important ingredient in Persian cuisine as well. Various stews, soups, drinks and sweets are flavored with it. Cinnamon juice is often mixed with rosewater to flavor curries and several sweet treats.
Spiced apple drinks, and ginger ale are some of the highly popular drinks flavored with the juice of cinnamon.
Preparation of Cinnamon Juice
Cinnamon juice is not quite often available commercially. It can be easily prepared at home. Cinnamon sticks are simmered in water for at least half an hour to prepare this flavored ingredient. The liquid is strained to remove the solid sticks and poured in a jar for storage in refrigerator. The shelf life of this juice is quite long, if refrigerated.
Cinnamon Juice Benefits
Studies shown that cinnamon, either in form of juice or powder, is extremely beneficial. It has positive effects on diabetes and certain cancers. It also helps in lowering LDL cholesterol. The juice has anti-clotting effect that reduces the risk of blood clotting. Arthritis can also be cured with the regular consumption of cinnamon juice with honey.
Trivia
Cinnamon juice is highly supportive as a nasal decongestant.