As a sommelier and brewer, I have had my fair share of experiences with various spices. When it comes to grinding spices, one particular spice that stands out as being the hardest to grind is cinnamon. Now, you might be wondering why cinnamon, a spice that is commonly found in households, can be so difficult to grind. Well, let me tell you, it's all because of its unique origin.
Cinnamon is actually obtained from the bark of young twigs, specifically from the Cinnamomum tree. The bark is carefully harvested and then dried, which gives it a hard and woody texture. This makes grinding cinnamon a bit of a challenge compared to other spices that come from seeds or dried fruits.
The traditional method of grinding cinnamon involves using a mortar and pestle, which requires a significant amount of force and effort. I remember the first time I attempted to grind cinnamon using this method, it felt like I was trying to crush a rock. The bark is tough and fibrous, making it resistant to being broken down into a fine powder.
Thankfully, there are now cinnamon grinders available in the market that are specifically designed to tackle this tough spice. These grinders usually consist of a rotating mechanism with sharp blades that can easily break down the cinnamon bark into a powder. I must say, investing in a good quality cinnamon grinder has made my life much easier and saved me from the frustration of struggling to grind cinnamon by hand.
In terms of flavor, freshly ground cinnamon has a much more intense and aromatic profile compared to pre-ground cinnamon. This is because the essential oils and flavors of cinnamon are better preserved when it is ground just before use. So, if you're a fan of cinnamon and want to enhance the flavor of your dishes or beverages, I highly recommend investing in a good cinnamon grinder.
To sum it up, cinnamon is indeed one of the hardest spices to grind due to its origin from the bark of young twigs. However, with the help of modern cinnamon grinders, obtaining a fine powder from this tough spice has become much easier. So, if you're looking to elevate your cinnamon game, don't hesitate to get yourself a reliable grinder and enjoy the delightful flavors of freshly ground cinnamon.
