Crossword Genius

Never frantic, when upset about new spice (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cinnamon

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'never frantic when upset about new spice' is the definition.
'cinnamon' can be an answer for 'spice' (cinnamon is a spice). I am unsure of the 'never frantic when upset about new' bit.

'never frantic when upset about new spice' is the wordplay.
'never' becomes 'no' (I've seen this in other clues).
'frantic' becomes 'manic' (both can mean frenzied).
'when upset' shows that the letters should be reversed in order (in a down clue - set, written, up).
'about' indicates putting letters inside.
'new spice' becomes 'n' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'no'+'manic'='nomanic'
'nomanic' in reverse letter order is 'cinamon'.
'cinamon' going around 'n' is 'CINNAMON'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cinnamon that I've seen before include "Aromatic tree bark used as a spice" , "Yellowish-brown - spice" , "spicy stuff" , "Spicy bark" , "'Spice in con man, strangely (8)'" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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