What Is the Shelf Life of Cinnamon Sticks? Quick Answer
Cinnamon sticks are a common ingredient in Chinese cuisine. Today, let me tell you about the shelf life of cinnamon sticks!
What Is the Shelf Life of Cinnamon Sticks?
Cinnamon sticks have a relatively long shelf life, usually about 2 - 3 years. Compared with cinnamon powder, since cinnamon sticks are intact in form, their internal components are better protected, so they have a longer shelf life.
However, the shelf life of cinnamon sticks can also be affected by storage conditions. For example, in a dry, cool, and sealed environment, the shelf life of cinnamon sticks will be extended; but in a humid or high-temperature environment, their shelf life will be greatly shortened.
Secondly, once the cinnamon sticks are opened, their shelf life will be shortened. It is best to use them up within 6 - 12 months. After opening, increased contact with air makes them prone to oxidation and moisture absorption. If you notice that the cinnamon sticks have darkened in color, have an unusual smell, or are moldy during use, do not use them anymore.
Can Cinnamon Sticks Go Bad?
Cinnamon sticks can go bad. Although cinnamon sticks have a relatively long shelf life, if not properly stored, they can still deteriorate.
For example, if cinnamon sticks are placed in a humid and high-temperature environment, they may become moist and moldy, thus deteriorating. The signs of spoiled cinnamon sticks usually include the appearance of mold spots on the surface, darkening in color, and an unusual smell.
Therefore, to prevent cinnamon sticks from going bad, it is recommended to store them in a dry, cool, and sealed environment.
Can You Eat 20 Year Old Cinnamon?
Based on the above information, we know that the shelf life of cinnamon sticks is 2 - 3 years, and after opening, they should be consumed within 6 - 12 months. After exceeding the above time, the aroma, taste, and efficacy of cinnamon will gradually disappear. At the same time, if not properly stored, problems such as mildew and unusual odors may occur. Therefore, it is not recommended to eat cinnamon sticks that have been stored for 20 years.
Even if the 20-year-old cinnamon sticks seem fine, the active ingredients in cinnamon (such as polyphenols and cinnamaldehyde) will gradually degrade after long-term storage. Not only will they lose their original health benefits, but they may also produce some substances that are harmful to the human body.
Do Cinnamon Sticks Need to be Refrigerated?
Generally speaking, in daily life, you only need to put the cinnamon sticks in a sealed container and store them in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place away from light, and they can be stored for a relatively long time.
However, if the area where you live is relatively humid, in order to prevent the cinnamon sticks from getting wet and developing mold and spoilage, you can store them in the refrigerator. Just put the cinnamon sticks in a sealed bag or airtight container to ensure that not too much air enters, and then place them in the refrigerator's crisper.
How to Tell if Cinnamon Sticks Are Good?
You can judge the quality of cinnamon sticks from the following aspects:
Observe the color
Usually, high-quality cinnamon sticks are mostly reddish-brown or dark brown, and the color is uniform and shiny. If the color of the cinnamon stick is too light, it may be an inferior product. If the color of the cinnamon stick is too dark or even black, it may be due to spoilage.
Check the texture
You can touch the texture of the cinnamon stick with your hand. High-quality cinnamon sticks have a tight texture. When gently bent, they are not easy to break and have a certain degree of toughness. If the texture of the cinnamon stick is loose and breaks easily, it indicates poor quality. Also, the surface of the cinnamon stick should be smooth, without obvious wormholes, mold spots, or other impurities.
Smell the aroma
Cinnamon sticks have a strong, unique, and warm spicy aroma, with a pure fragrance and no strange odors. This mainly comes from the volatile oil components in cinnamon. If the cinnamon stick smells faintly or has an unusual or musty smell, it is not a good cinnamon stick.
Taste the flavor
Break off a small piece of the cinnamon stick and gently lick it with the tip of your tongue. High-quality cinnamon tastes slightly sweet with a spicy flavor and has a rich taste. If it has a bitter, sour, or other strange taste, it indicates that the quality of the cinnamon stick is problematic.
Know the origin and brand
Origin: Cinnamon from places like Vietnam and Indonesia usually has better quality. The climate and soil conditions in these places are very suitable for the growth of cinnamon.
Brand: Well-known brands usually have stricter production and quality control standards, and the product quality is relatively more reliable.
How Long Do Cinnamon Sticks Smell?
The duration of the aroma of cinnamon sticks is affected by storage conditions and usage methods.
Under normal circumstances, the aroma of cinnamon sticks can last for 2 - 3 years in a sealed, dry, and cool environment. Because the form of cinnamon sticks is relatively intact, the volatile oil components are lost more slowly, and the aroma can be maintained for a longer time.
In contrast, the aroma of cinnamon powder will dissipate more quickly, usually becoming significantly weaker within 6 months to 1 year after opening.
If the storage conditions are not good, such as a humid and high-temperature environment or frequent exposure to air, the aroma of cinnamon sticks will also dissipate more quickly. For example, in hot and humid weather, it is recommended to put the cinnamon sticks in a sealed bag and refrigerate them to better preserve their aroma.
In addition, during the use of cinnamon sticks, the release rate of the aroma is also different. For example, when cooking or making drinks, it takes some time for cinnamon sticks to fully release their aroma, and the aroma will gradually weaken as the heating time prolongs.
