How can you tell if cinnamon is old and useless?
2006-11-09 09:52:57 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Food & Drink ➔ Cooking & Recipes
Well first of all there is usually an expiration date on the can or jar. Also the cinnamon should smell pretty strong. It should be shakeable...not clumped together. If it was never opened is should be fine however long you've had it. Old cinnamon will not hurt you either but it will take more of it to get the desired taste.
2006-11-09 12:52:49 · answer #1 · answered by kizkat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Smell the Cinnamon by rubbing on your hand.If there is still Cinnamon smell coming from your hand it is good not useless.
2006-11-09 10:06:04 · answer #2 · answered by Shahid 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
From Spice Islands website:
How to Test for Freshness
To ensure freshness, it is best to open and visually check spices and herbs annually:
Open and visually check if the spice or herb looks fresh.
Green, leafy herbs will fade upon aging.
Be aware; however, that different herbs naturally vary in color and should not always be compared against each other. For example, tarragon is naturally greener in color than rosemary. Additionally, some dill products contain the flower portion, giving them a more yellow color than those without the flowers.
Red colored spices, such as paprika, red pepper and chili powder will turn from red to brown in color.
Crush a small amount of the spice or herb in your hand and smell it. If the aroma is not rich, full and immediate, the spice or herb has probably lost much of its potency. (Exception: Whole spices, such as peppercorns and cinnamon stick, have a protective outer coating and will not release its full fragrance until broken or crushed.)
Compare the aroma (Be aware, however, that subtle changes may also occur with each new crop.) of a freshly purchased spice or herb to that which you've stored for a year or more to see the difference.
Spices and herbs are made up of numerous flavor components. Each component dissipates at varying rates over time, altering the overall balance of flavors in spices and herbs as they age.
The initial quality of a spice and herb can impact its shelf life, with a higher quality product retaining its good flavor longer than a lower quality version.
2006-11-09 09:59:10 · answer #3 · answered by Walking on Sunshine 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If it still smells of cinnamon, you can still use it. If it smells a bit faint - try using a bit more
2006-11-09 10:01:01 · answer #4 · answered by rosie recipe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just try a little bit see if it still tastes good. By the way, you can buy cinnamon sticks and just chew on them. It's really good.
2006-11-09 09:54:58 · answer #5 · answered by beardedbarefooter 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Cinnamon can't get old.
2006-11-09 09:56:00 · answer #6 · answered by Master Jedi 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
if it shakes out of the can or jar easily.
If using a spoon, it should be loose .
And there are dates on each container . look for the date./year
2006-11-09 09:59:54 · answer #7 · answered by StarShine G 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Smell should be clear and nice.
2006-11-09 09:55:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It would have a slight rancid taste.
2006-11-09 09:55:29 · answer #9 · answered by fried_twinkie1 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋