Often on counters of shops not the so natural cinnamon, but a cassia - bark of the Chinese cinnamon tree which is capable not only to render laxative effect on an organism is implemented, but also to provoke digestive tract diseases. To save itself from fakes, it is recommended to get cinnamon in sticks, and after to crush it.
Cinnamon and cassia - how to distinguish a fake
Cinnamon, or as it is called still, the korichnik Ceylon is an evergreen tree, families Laurel. However in life cinnamon call the dried-up bark of this tree. It is widely applied as spice in cookery and also in the form of essential oils in medicine and cosmetology. Cinnamon is on sale, as a rule, in the form of the bark pieces curtailed into a tubule, and is more often — in a ground look.
For production of spice the cinnamon is grown up within two years. Then it is cut at the roots. Next vegetative year on the cut-off tree about ten young escapes from which cut off bark are formed. Then it is dried, the external layer is deleted and leave only a thin inside layer. As a result there are meter cinnamon strips which after drying curl in long tubules. These tubules cut then on pieces from 5 to 10 cm long length. They also go on sale.
To distinguish cinnamon powder from powder of a cassia it is enough to carry out an inspection by iodine which is easily carried out even in house conditions. When putting iodine on a cassia, it is painted in dark blue color whereas at the similar procedure the cinnamon gives only a weak bluish shade.
How to crush a cinnamon stick
Cinnamon powder is necessary for many purposes. That to receive it, the cinnamon stick needs to be crushed. The ordinary small grater won't be suitable for these purposes. At once it isn't necessary to put a stick in the blender or the coffee grinder too – raznorazmerny pieces will turn out. It will be more correct to dry at first a stick in a dry frying pan. Such procedure will make it more fragile, will remove excessive moisture and will enhance aroma of spice. But it is necessary to remember that it is necessary to dry and crush cinnamon in small volumes as the whole sticks keep the properties during the whole year and crushed lose six months later. After drying of a stick it is recommended to lay in a strong package and to roll a rolling pin. As a result quite small pieces will turn out. The same result can achieve by means of a mortar. The received pieces of such size can be put in the blender, the food processor, the coffee grinder or a coffee grinder. It is necessary to store the crushed cinnamon in a sealed glass or ceramic container, and it is obligatory in the dark place. At observance of these conditions the cinnamon will always remain fresh and fragrant.