How Long Does Cinnamon Last?

Spices like cinnamon make everything better for sure, whether it is savory food or desserts! But, with a kick, a bunch is often in store that stays unused for the longest time. Does that make you wonder how long cinnamon lasts? Then, you’ve come to the right place to get your answer! 

Cinnamon sticks and cinnamon can both last quite some time beyond the shelf life mentioned on the package. Ground cinnamon can stay fresh for up to one year after its “best before” date, whereas cinnamon sticks will generally stay fresh for 3-4 years. 

Cinnamon is one of the most widely used spices in the world. It is one spice that defines autumn, and most of us cannot even imagine falling time desserts and drinks without a pinch of cinnamon in them. 

That’s not all, though! Cinnamon, the sticks in particular, are widely used in various cuisines worldwide. These sticks and other whole spices form the base of many South Asian curries and more. 

But, with spices, we all know that only a little is used at a time. So, even with cinnamon, although you may have bought the best quality, your chances of using them often could be more extensive. So, having a lot of cinnamon sitting around in your pantry is common. 

Since spices are not perishable food items, more clarity about how long they can stay fresh is needed. Some things could be improved about whether they go bad or not.

This blog post will discuss everything about cinnamon, from how long the spice lasts to all other important information. So, let’s begin!

How Long Does Cinnamon Last? 

Cinnamon tends to have a “best before” date printed on it for both cinnamon sticks and ground cinnamon. This date is usually for a few years after the manufacturing date. However, the best-before date is mainly used for non-perishable items. 

So, even after the date mentioned on the packet, cinnamon can easily last longer. Cinnamon sticks tend to last much longer than ground cinnamon, so most people prefer buying them and grinding their own. 

As long as cinnamon is stored correctly, it can easily stay at its best for up to 4 years. It also applies to ground cinnamon, which, if stored in the right conditions, can last for four years as well. But then, the storing states have to be perfectly optimized for that. 

Do You Need To Refrigerate Cinnamon? 

Many people store everything in the refrigerator, as there is an age-old belief that the refrigerator keeps food fresh for extended periods. While this is true for perishable foods, does it apply to spices like cinnamon? 

Like most other spices, whole cinnamon sticks and ground cinnamon don’t need to be refrigerated. It is because extreme temperatures, like cold, could make the kick lose its potency much quicker than usual. 

Does Cinnamon Expire? 

Most of us may be aware that spices don’t tend to expire that quickly. But do spices like cinnamon expire at all? If yes, why do they have a “best before” date printed on their packaging? 

Technically, spices like cinnamon don’t expire. This is precisely why they have “best before” printed on them and not “use by.” The best-before date denotes until which day the spice will have its best flavor. 

Although cinnamon will very quickly last beyond this date, as mentioned earlier, its quality and freshness will begin deteriorating over time beyond that day. 

How To Tell If The Quality Of Cinnamon Has Deteriorated? 

The quality of this spice can go down even before the said expiry date if not stored properly. Moreover, there are also situations where cinnamon can go wrong, and it is best not to consume it. 

Eating cinnamon that doesn’t have the same quality as before might not get you sick. But your food surely won’t get that lovely flavor and aroma of cinnamon that we are all looking for. There are some ways to tell if the quality of your cinnamon could be better. 

1. Appearance

The easiest way to tell if cinnamon’s quality has decreased is by looking at it. This applies to both cinnamon sticks and ground cinnamon. Here, you can look at the powder; if you see clumps, it’s best not to use it. 

Clumping mainly denotes moisture in the cinnamon powder, which is one of the quickest ways the quality can deteriorate. Otherwise, with sticks, keep an eye out for small insects or buds. Also, keep an eye out for the growth of molds on the sticks, which is a sign of them going wrong. 

2. Smell

This is another way to tell if your cinnamon is still good. Cinnamon tends to have a lovely aroma, which can quickly be figured out. If your cinnamon powder or sticks don’t have any aroma or smell rancid, chances are they have gone wrong and should be thrown away. 

3. Taste

Lastly, you can check the quality of cinnamon based on its flavor. If cinnamon tastes bitter, whether freshly ground sticks or powder, it has gone wrong and should not be used. Similarly, if cinnamon’s quality has deteriorated, it will taste extremely bland. 

Storage Tips To Keep Your Cinnamon Fresh For Longer

A few tips can be kept in mind, which will ensure that your cinnamon lasts for as long as possible. Here are these lovely tips. 

1. Store both ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks in a tightly sealed container. 
2. If the cinnamon has come in a packet rather than a container, consider transferring it to an airtight container. 
3. Keep the cinnamon away from moisture, and direct heat, as they can deteriorate the same quality. 
4. Don’t keep ground cinnamon or cinnamon sticks in the refrigerator or freezer, as intensely cold temperatures can also deteriorate their quality.  

Conclusion

Cinnamon is one of the most commonly used spices in the world. Both cinnamon sticks and ground cinnamon are excellent and add a wonderful flavor to whatever they are used in. Cinnamon tends to last for up to 4 years if stored properly. 

After that, the quality of cinnamon can deteriorate a little with time. Although cinnamon does not go rancid as quickly, it can go poorly if not stored properly. As long as your storage conditions for the spice are optimal, you wouldn’t have to worry about it for a long time! 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)