Culinary's "Concepts"

Cinnamon, the aromatic spice I most commonly associate with Fall and Winter cooking, can also boost your health!  But why is it so often used in the colder months?

Cinnamon, from a Chinese medicine perspective: The twigs (guizhi) and bark (rougi) of this large tropical tree are said to warm the body, invigorate the circulation, and harmonize the energy of the upper and lower body. Modern studies demonstrate that cinnamon reduces allergy reactions. Traditionally, cinnamon twig is used when the peripheral circulation is poor and cinnamon bark is used when the entire body is cold. If the upper body is warm and the lower body is cold, then cinnamon will correct the imbalance.

In addition to its warming properties, over the years, cinnamon have been found to offer a lot of other health benefits. From lowering your blood pressure to boosting your brain power, just a bit of cinnamon a day can offer bountiful benefits:

• Lowers blood sugar levels
• Lowers cholesterol
• Lowers blood pressure
• Anti-clotting qualities promote healthy blood
• Acts as a natural preservative for food
• The scent of cinnamon boosts your cognitive and memory powers
• A great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium
• Helps stop the growth of bacteria (has shown to aid in treating some yeast infections)
• Soothes the stomach while helping with nausea and indigestion
• Relieves congestion from colds and allergies
• Helps alleviate joint, muscle, and arthritic pain
• May prevent tooth decay and gum disease
• Eases menstrual cramping

American recipes call for heaping teaspoons of cinnamon, but it is used more subtley in many cuisines around the world. In fact, cinnamon can be used in small amounts to mellow sharp flavors or infuse warmth and sweetness into a dish.  Cinnamon is used in couscous to create a richer flavor in Morocco, and it perfects Indian curry dishes. Cinnamon is a key ingredient in Chinese five-spice powder, and a pinch of cinnamon added to an Italian dish can create a sweetly exotic taste.

How to integrate Cinnamon into your diet in unexpected places:

• Add a sprinkle to your quiche filling for a richer taste
• Add a dash to your coffee grounds before brewing--tastes great and smells amazing!
• Shake a bit onto your carrots and squash to enhance the natural sweetness
• Stir half a stick into your rice to create an enchanting scent
• Add a dash to leafy winter greens to curb bitterness
• Dust the flour of your pie crust for a lively boost