Does ground cinnamon go bad?

In this article, we will answer the question “Does ground cinnamon go bad?”, how to store cinnamon, how long does cinnamon last, how to tell if the cinnamon is bad, what happens if you consume expired cinnamon, and how to make the cinnamon extract.

Does ground cinnamon go bad?

Yes, ground cinnamon goes bad but not in the traditional sense. What mostly happens is that cinnamon loses its flavor or potency over time and is no longer useful. 

If the cinnamon is moldy, discard it right away. The same goes for clumpy ground cinnamon. The clumps develop when the ground cinnamon has been frequently exposed to moisture.(1)

How to store cinnamon? 

Cinnamon needs to be protected against moisture, light, and heat for a longer shelf-life. Like other spices, you should keep your cinnamon in the kitchen cabinet or pantry. Make sure the cinnamon is stored away from direct or indirect sources of heat such as from the stovetop or sunlight. 

The container of the cinnamon should remain tightly sealed in between uses to ensure no mixture gets in. if the original container of the cinnamon is not resealable, shift the spice to an air-tight container. (1, 2)

How long does ground cinnamon last? 

Ground cinnamon lasts for about 2-3 years easily when it is kept in a cool, dry, and dark place but we recommend you to use it within a year to enjoy its prime quality. After this time the flavor and the aroma of the cinnamon start to fade. 

There is this rule that “the smaller the size is, the larger is the surface area and the shorter the shelf life. So as compared to ground cinnamon, cinnamon sticks have a longer shelf life of 3 to 4 years, even longer depending on the storage conditions. (1, 2)

How to tell if the cinnamon is bad? 

If your cinnamon no longer exudes a sweet and characteristic odor, it has gone bad. Rub some powdered cinnamon in between your thumb and index finger to check its aroma. If the aroma is gone, discard the cinnamon.

Similarly, if your cinnamon powder or cinnamon sticks feel lumpy or wet, it is done for. Last but not least if your cinnamon has bugs, mold, or a weird taste, throw it in the bin. (1, 2)

What happens if you consume expired cinnamon? 

Consuming expired cinnamon won’t cause you any harm but it will have no aroma or flavor whatsoever. Under the influence of fad diets, people tend to eat too much cinnamon due to which they experience digestive issues.

Therefore, you need to be careful about the position size of cinnamon in addition to its quality and safety. (1, 2)

Can you freeze cinnamon? 

Yes, you can freeze cinnamon but it is not recommended. Freezing temperatures quickly deteriorate the quality of the cinnamon. Freezing will protect your cinnamon from growing mold but it will rip it off its essential cinnamon flavor.

Therefore, you should always keep the excess cinnamon in a large air-tight container. Keep this container in the pantry away from light and moisture. 

Fill up a smaller airtight container to use in baking or cooking and store it in the kitchen cabinet. Refill when needed. This will limit the exposure of the bulk of cinnamon to air, moisture, and heat, thus extending its shelf-life.(1, 2)

Other FAQs about Cinnamon that you may be interested in.

What part of the cinnamon plant becomes the spice?

How to counteract too much cinnamon in a recipe?

Can you grate cinnamon sticks?

Conclusion 

In this article, we answered the question “Does ground cinnamon go bad?”, how to store cinnamon, how long does cinnamon last, how to tell if the cinnamon is bad, what happens if you consume expired cinnamon, and how to make the cinnamon extract.

References 

How To Make And Use Cinnamon Extract