Cinnamon has multiple uses in cooking, but it is also a panacea for enjoying good health thanks to its high antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory properties. However, more research needs to be done to fully understand its benefits. In any case, cinnamon oil helps to increase the consumption of this spice, whether you want to take it for health reasons or simply for its flavor. Its usefulness is not limited to the kitchen, it also seems to have therapeutic and antiseptic properties, not to mention its effectiveness for cleaning the house and keeping insects under control. Preparing it is simple: just infuse fresh cinnamon in a carrier oil and you can start using it right away.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing the Ingredients
Step 1. Choose cinnamon
The oil can be made using cinnamon sticks or ground. See which one you can find at the supermarket. If you know a spice shop, you may be able to find good quality cinnamon.
- It would be preferable to use a splint. In addition to guaranteeing a more intense flavor than ground cinnamon, it seems that the latter is not as effective and does not provide the same benefits.
- Consider the various types of cinnamon. If you prefer a mild flavor, look for Ceylon, while if you are looking for a slightly more intense or woody taste, try cassia.
Step 2. Look for a carrier oil
To make cinnamon oil, olive oil is usually used, but any oil with a neutral and mild taste will do. Consider the nutritional values, health benefits, and flavor profile of your favorite cooking oils to figure out which one best suits your needs.
- Olive oil doesn't break down easily and is great for cooking, although its intense flavor can alter the flavor of cinnamon.
- Sweet almond oil is lighter and tastes like nuts. It is safe to use it at a high temperature.
- Canola oil does not have a strong flavor. It is often used to prepare fried or baked dishes, the problem is that it does not have the same nutritional value as other oils.
- Coconut oil can have a mild flavor. Given the high content of saturated fat, it is good to use it in moderation.
- Flaxseed oil is rich in micronutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and has a mild flavor. However, it does not resist heat well, so it is recommended for preparing condiments, dips or for direct consumption.
Step 3. Choose a storage method
You may want to use a glass jar with a lid with a rubber seal. The size depends on your needs. The more oil you intend to prepare, the larger the container should be.
- Remember that cinnamon oil will have the same shelf life as the carrier oil. Most cooking oils last no longer than a year. Check the expiration date, then look for containers that have adequate capacity for the amount of oil you plan to consume before it goes rancid.
- Use only clean jars with the seal intact. Check the edge of the lid to see if any parts of the rubber are damaged or missing.
Part 2 of 3: Prepare the Infusion
Step 1. Sterilize the jars before preparing the oil to avoid contaminating it
Wash them with warm water and dish soap, then dip them in boiling water.
- To start, remove the lids and wash them. Also wash the inside and outside of the jars. Use warm water and dish soap. Rinse well.
- After rinsing, immediately immerse them in a pot of boiling water (do not close them with the lid). Make sure there is enough water to submerge them completely.
- Remove the jars from the water and place them on a baking sheet upside down. Soak the ends of a metal tongs in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to sterilize it, then use it to remove the jars from the water.
- Let them cool before picking them up.
Step 2. If you have decided to use cinnamon sticks, stick them vertically into the jar
Try to enter as many as possible. For a 1 liter jar you will need a dozen sticks.
- If a stick is too long, gently cut it in half with a kitchen knife before putting it in the jar.
- Put on a new pair of rubber or nitrile gloves to fill the jar to avoid contaminating it with your hands.
Step 3. Pour the carrier oil into the jar until the cinnamon sticks are completely submerged
Receptacle permitting, try to leave at least 1.5 cm of oil above them.
If the oil doesn't run to the bottom of the jar, move the cinnamon sticks with a clean butter knife or chopstick
Step 4. If you are using ground cinnamon, you need to cook it with oil before adding it to the jar
Calculate 25 g of cinnamon for each cup of carrier oil.
- Combine the ingredients in a saucepan over medium-low heat until well combined, then simmer for 3-5 minutes before removing from the heat.
- Let them cool for 10 minutes.
- Once the oil is cooked and cooled, pour it into a sterilized glass jar and let it rest.
Step 5. Infuse the oil
Close the jars tightly and place them in a warm, dry place, such as on the windowsill. Do not touch them for about 3 weeks to allow the cinnamon to release its taste and nutrients into the oil.
- The longer you leave it to infuse, the more intense the flavor will be. Taste it about once a week and leave it to infuse until the desired concentration is obtained.
- The oil prepared with ground cinnamon can be used immediately or left to infuse for a more intense aroma. Try tasting it after a week, as ground cinnamon takes less time.
- Shake the jar every day. This movement will favor the infusion and prevent the formation of mold on the surface.
Step 6. Once the procedure is complete, filter the oil into another sterilized glass jar with the help of cheesecloth
Stick it to the edge of the bowl and secure it with your hand or a rubber band while you pour in the oil.
- To get more product, drop all the cinnamon on the cheesecloth, then squeeze it firmly to help release more oil.
- This process can get dirty, so it's best to do it on a large bowl or sink.
Part 3 of 3: Storing and Using the Oil
Step 1. Once the oil has been filtered into the new jar, close it with a lid with an intact rubber seal
Store it in a cool, dry place, such as in the pantry or fridge.
If you want, you can also pour it into a decorative bottle. Just make sure you sterilize it just like a jar
Step 2. Store it in the fridge to extend its useful life
Depending on the carrier oil used, you could double its useful life by keeping it in the refrigerator.
- Olive oil has a maximum shelf life of 3 years, so it should not be put in the fridge.
- If you've used coconut oil, remember that it solidifies below a certain temperature. Expose it to a heat source to return it to a liquid state.
Step 3. Use cinnamon oil for cooking, body care or home care
According to various researches, taking 5 g of cinnamon per day is useful for those suffering from type 2 diabetes, while some naturopaths use it for various ailments, from ovarian cysts to eliminating insects at home.
- Try using it in small amounts when making desserts to not only reap the benefits it offers, but also to make it tastier. For example, if a recipe calls for 120ml of cooking oil, try using 60ml of regular cooking oil and 60ml of cinnamon oil instead.
- Try massaging it to relax your muscles after a workout or when you feel sore.
- Use it to stir-fry food, to prepare a marinade or topping: it will give a unique flavor to your dishes.
