fresh ground cinnamon / nutmeg ??

[expatCanuck]

Greetings -

Best o' the season to y'all.
New here. Former short order cook & home cook for Mrs. expat & expat the younger.

Is there a significant difference between using freshly ground cinnamon as opposed to the pre-ground variety?

What about nutmeg.

And if fresh is that much better, what do you typically use to grind each?

Thanks.

- Richard

[Drama Queen]

Greetings -

Best o' the season to y'all.
New here. Former short order cook & home cook for Mrs. expat & expat the younger.

Is there a significant difference between using freshly ground cinnamon as opposed to the pre-ground variety?

What about nutmeg.

And if fresh is that much better, what do you typically use to grind each?

Thanks.

- Richard

I use a lot of cinnamon so I don't grind my own but I do buy it in small containers so that I always have fresh cinnamon.

Nutmeg is another story. Because I don't use it as often, I grind my own. The buds last for a very long time. Fresh ground nutmeg is far superior than buying it already ground. It has a much more intense, fresh flavor. There is a gadget called a nutmeg grater where you store a couple of buds in the center, then grate them on the outside. You can buy this at any store that sells kitchen gadgets, Walmart, K-Mart, Target, etc. Click on the attached image below.

[mcnerd]

There's a place and use for everything. I use ground cinnamon for general recipes where it is not a top taste issue. Same for nutmeg. If you garnish with these ingredients then fresh is an absolute necessity.

[lesley]

I would use fresh spices everytime, so much more flavour.
I store cinnamon in an airtight container, and nutmeg in an airtight jar.
Always store in a dark place, not in a spice rack like we used to.
They will keep much better.
Lesley
www.cookingwiththejoneses.com

[Drama Queen]

I would use fresh spices everytime, so much more flavour.
I store cinnamon in an airtight container, and nutmeg in an airtight jar.
Always store in a dark place, not in a spice rack like we used to.
They will keep much better.
Lesley
www.cookingwiththejoneses.com

Lesley, I agree that spices shouldn't be kept in a spice rack especially near the stove where most people tend to keep them. The heat and humidity will ruin the spices and deteriorate the herbs. I keep miine on little shelves on my pantry door, cool and dark but still nearby.
BTW, I love your website. I posted a comment.

[lesley]

Thank you DQ
I'm glad you enjoy the website, we love doing it. I've put a link for the puff pastry on the site for you. I made mincepies with it last night...they've all gone this morning! ;0)

[Drama Queen]

Thank you DQ
I'm glad you enjoy the website, we love doing it. I've put a link for the puff pastry on the site for you. I made mincepies with it last night...they've all gone this morning! ;0)

/Sorry Lesley, didn't realize I could click on the title of the recipe and get it. My family has appetizers, hor d' oevres and drinks Christmas Eve. Your Tomato and Cheese Puffs will be one of them for sure. I have all the ingredients on hand already except the puff pastry. Can't wait to try them. We all love Gorgonzola.