As the holiday season approaches, it feels fitting to talk about a spice that instantly evokes the warmth and joy of Christmas—cinnamon. The aroma of cinnamon wafting through the galley sparks in me a warm, cosy, and nostalgic feeling. I use it in both savoury and sweet recipes, and it’s also a regular guest in my smoothies. Beyond its comforting aroma and flavour, cinnamon offers a wealth of health benefits, which is exactly why I’ve chosen it as our superfood for sailors this month.
This humble spice also packs a powerful nutritional punch, making it an excellent addition to your day-to-day onboard diet. Whether you’re on a long passage or anchored in a remote bay, cinnamon can be a small yet mighty ally in maintaining health and wellbeing at sea.
Why Cinnamon is a Sailor’s Superfood
Cinnamon isn’t just a festive favourite—it’s a powerful, health-boosting superfood that can help sailors maintain their strength, energy, and well-being at sea. Here’s why this spice deserves a spot in your galley:
Boosts Circulation and Energy
Cinnamon has been shown to improve blood circulation and better circulation means more oxygen reaching your muscles, helping to fight fatigue and keep your energy levels up.
Rich in Antioxidants
Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants that help protect the body from free radical damage, which can be increased by prolonged sun exposure and stress—two common challenges for sailors.
Supports Stable Blood Sugar
Maintaining steady blood sugar levels is key when you're living on meals that may be heavy in carbohydrates, as is often the case at sea. Cinnamon can help by improving insulin sensitivity, which in turn supports more stable blood sugar levels. While it’s not a cure-all, adding cinnamon to your daily meals or beverages can be a flavourful way to support balanced energy throughout the day, making it a great spice to have on hand during long voyages.
Fights Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a common issue for sailors due to the repetitive physical strain and exposure to various environmental factors. Cinnamon has natural anti-inflammatory properties. which can help ease joint pain, muscle stiffness, and other inflammatory symptoms.
Naturally Preserves Food
Cinnamon has long been recognized for its antimicrobial properties, which can help inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. Now, that doesn’t mean you can just sprinkle cinnamon over your food and expect it to stay fresh forever. However, when used as part of a healthy, balanced diet, cinnamon’s natural antibacterial and antifungal qualities make it a great addition to your galley. Whether you're using it in cooking or as part of a spice blend, it’s a wonderful way to support overall health while enjoying the familiar, comforting warmth of this versatile spice.
How to Incorporate Cinnamon Into Your Galley
Here are some simple and creative ways to use cinnamon in your everyday onboard cooking:
Breakfast Boost
Sprinkle cinnamon over your morning porridge, oatmeal, or granola for a warm, cozy flavor. You can also stir it into pancake batter, yoghurt or smoothies for a spiced twist.
Spiced Drinks
Cinnamon is a natural partner for hot drinks. Add it to your coffee, hot chocolate, or tea for an instant pick-me-up.
Savoury Dishes
While most think of cinnamon in sweet dishes, it’s also great in savoury meals. Try adding it to stews, curries, or marinades for a depth of flavour. Cinnamon is often used in Moroccan and Indian cuisines for just this reason. You can read all about my homemade spice mixes that incorporate cinnamon here.
Baking at Sea
If your galley setup allows for baking, cinnamon rolls (see our recipe here), or spiced biscuits are an easy way to bring holiday vibes to your crew. Even a simple banana bread can be elevated with a touch of cinnamon.
Homemade Snacks
Mix cinnamon with nuts, seeds, or dried fruit for a DIY trail mix that’s perfect for snacking during a watch.
Making the Best Ever Cinnamon Rolls for a Delicious Breakfast
Go straight to our recipe here to find out how to make the most delicious, fluffy and yummy cinnamon rolls.
A Word on Storage
Cinnamon has a long shelf life when stored correctly, making it ideal for sailors. Keep it in an airtight container, away from heat and light, to preserve its flavour and potency. For more information on storing spices check out our article written for noonsite.com here
As sailors, we’re always looking for ingredients that are versatile, easy to store, and good for our health. Cinnamon ticks all the boxes. Plus, its connection to holiday traditions makes it a comforting reminder of home—no matter where you’re sailing or choose to drop anchor.
Hungry for More?
If you’ve enjoyed this post, you’ll love the Small Vegan Kitchen cookbook, No Eggs, No Worries.
Packed with easy-to-follow, delicious and nutritious recipes created with simplicity and sustainability in mind. Our cookbook is your ultimate guide to plant-based alternatives for traditional egg recipes lovingly crafted from the smallest of galleys whilst sailing the world. It has been recommended by Sailing Totem in their Christmas Gift list here
Whether you’re cooking on land or at sea, these dishes are designed to inspire creativity and bring joy to your table. So why not dive in and discover how delicious plant-based cooking can be?
Order your copy today and start your journey to healthier, more sustainable eating—no eggs, no worries!
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The Small Vegan Kitchen Community is a global family of like-minded cruisers/sailors who want nutritious, tasty and simple-to-prepare meals from wherever they are sailing in the world.
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