Chinese Cinnamon

These barklike dried cinnamon pieces are larger than the curled cinnamon found in supermarkets, though they are similar in flavor and fragrance. They add a rich and nutty flavor to sauces and braised dishes and are an important ingredient in five-spice powder. Chinese cinnamon is subtler in taste; if you substitute regular cinnamon for it, use less. Stored at room temperature in a tightly covered jar, it keeps indefinitely.