Everything you need to know about Cinnamon in Alberta
Varieties available in Albertan stores
In the Albertan stores around me, I have come across various types of this spice. In fact, after
using more than 12 varieties, Cassia Cinnamon has become my personal go-to. I prefer it for its
warm, familiar sweetness. I have seen major grocery retailers, such as Loblaws, offer specialty
varieties like PC Black Label Ceylon Cinnamon. In contrast, bulk retailers like BulkMart carry
wholesale ground cinnamon. For a more delicate flavour, people prefer the “true” cinnamon from Sri
Lanka. These imported products can be found in Indian/Asian grocery stores in Alberta.
Moreover, I visit The Silk Road Spice Merchant quarterly to test new varieties. These specialty spice
shops operate physical locations in Edmonton, Calgary, and Inglewood, as well as at Calgary Farmers'
Markets, offering both true Ceylon and Indonesian cassia varieties. I have found that these products
have a milder, sweeter flavour than cassia and are often sold as ground or sticks in these
locations. Online retailers like Amazon.ca and Walmart also provide extensive selections of cinnamon
products. Therefore, Albertans have access to a range of cinnamon products through both
brick-and-mortar stores and online shopping options.
Health Benefits
Growing up, I often heard that cinnamon is good for health, but it wasn’t until I actually
followed my mum's advice to add it to my morning tea that I became a firm believer. My
rising blood sugar levels dropped back into a healthy range within months. The stiffness I
often experienced in my wrists from years of typing? It was gone in six months. My
cholesterol numbers improved. I learnt that the Ceylon variety, which is pricier than
regular Cassia, is gentler on the liver. It didn't cure everything overnight, but as part of
those small sustainable habits we maintain for years? It was transformative. Other than
improving heart health, it also has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
Potential Side Effects
The crumbly cinnamon can be a boon or a bane,
depending on the amount of consumption. I have often seen people overconsuming this crumbly
cinnamon in the excitement of curing it all, but instead end up with low blood sugar or
digestive problems. Overconsumption can be fatal, as consuming coumarin in extremely high
doses can lead to liver failure. Additionally, it's
overconsumption can amplify the effects of blood thinners, increasing the risk of bleeding,
and may interact with diabetes medications and other drugs processed by the liver.
Therefore, it’s important to be aware of how it can affect your body depending on the
medications you are taking.
Application in Albertan Delights
After maple syrup, crumbly cinnamon is what hits close to home for many Albertans like me, for its
loved for its delightful role in many beloved Albertan and Canadian treats.
- This flavourful spice is a necessity in cinnamon-rolls, a favorite Albertan home snack, as it
adds depth,
warmth, and aromatic sweetness to the buttery dough and sugary filling.
- Albertans love a sprinkle of this crumbly cinnamon in their Butter Tarts. Some Albertan bakers
add it
to complement the raisins and pecans in their tarts.
- Saskatoon Berry Pie is a regional delight made with Saskatoon berries native to Western
Canada. Cinnamon beautifully enhances the berries' earthy sweetness.
- A nostalgic Prairie dessert popular in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, featuring a graham
cracker crust, custard filling, and toasted meringue, Flapper Pie has this spice mixed into the
cracker crust for added flavour.
- Apple Fritters are a staple at bakeries in Alberta. To complement the tart sweetness of
Alberta apples, this crumbly cinnamon is mixed into the fritter batter along with the diced
apples.
How about something more AROMATIC?
My friend's site,
The Aromatic Cardamom:
Uses, Benefits & Flavor,
is a spice exploration page built around one extraordinary staple — Cardamom. I've used
cardamom for years — in chai, rice puddings, and spiced savory dishes — and this site
captures exactly why it earns its title as the Queen of Spices. Derived from the plant
Elettaria cardamomum, green cardamom lends a sweet, floral warmth that quietly
elevates everything from desserts to daily tea, while black cardamom brings a bold,
smoky depth that's hard to replicate. It's not a shy spice — even a small amount
delivers an intense fragrance — and for home cooks who want both aroma and flavour to
do real work in the kitchen, that's the whole point.
#aromaticspices #cardamomqueen #spiceupyourlife
