In order to harvest cinnamon, two to five-year-old trees are cut back to a stump which causes them to start growing like a bush and produce new shoots. These shoots are harvested and stripped of their outer bark. The inner bark is then polished, stretched, layered and hand-rolled into quills that are trimmed and dried.
Where to Buy
Given how popular the spice is, you can easily find whole and ground cinnamon varieties at most grocery stores. But if youre looking for a specific type of cinnamon, you can source it from specialty stores such as Curio Spice, Burlap and Barrel, or Kalustyans.
How to Substitute Ground Cinnamon for Cinnamon Sticks, or Another Spice Altogether
If you are unable to find whole cinnamon, you can substitute ground cinnamon. Use 1/4 teaspoon to 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon for 1 cinnamon stick.
When using ground cinnamon, try not to overdo it; too much cinnamon can impart a bitter flavor and gritty texture to the dish. Instead, start with a small amount, taste, and adjust as needed.
If youre out of cinnamon entirely: While there isnt a perfect substitute for this spice, nutmeg, cloves, or allspice provide similar earthy, warming flavors and aromas.
Harvesting and Processing Cinnamon
FAQ
How do they make cinnamon sticks?
How are cinnamon sticks harvested?
Are cinnamon sticks just cinnamon?
Are cinnamon sticks made of wood?