Putting cinnamon sticks in a glass of water is a simple preparation that consists of soaking the spice in water to extract some of its compounds and flavor. It is often used as a homemade drink or as a way to add a warm cinnamon aroma without using ground cinnamon.
Cinnamon contains aromatic compounds that give it its characteristic smell and flavor. When cinnamon sticks are placed in water, some of these compounds are gradually released into the liquid.
Why put cinnamon sticks in water
One of the main reasons people prepare cinnamon-infused water is to obtain a drink with a mild cinnamon flavor. Using sticks instead of ground cinnamon also makes it easier to remove the spice from the water after preparation.
The preparation can be made with room-temperature or warm water, depending on the intended use. Hot water generally extracts flavor and aroma more quickly, while soaking the sticks for longer produces a stronger infusion.
What is cinnamon water used for
Cinnamon-infused water can be consumed as a flavored beverage. Some people also use it as a homemade preparation to add cinnamon flavor to other drinks or recipes.
However, claims that cinnamon water can treat diseases, cause significant weight loss, or replace medical treatments should not be considered established simply because the drink contains cinnamon.
How to prepare it
A simple preparation consists of placing one or two cinnamon sticks in a glass or container of water and allowing them to infuse. If warm water is used, the cinnamon can be left to steep for several minutes before removing the sticks.
The amount of cinnamon and the infusion time can be adjusted according to the desired flavor. As with any food preparation, excessive consumption is not recommended, particularly when using large amounts of cinnamon regularly.