BOY! Am I surprised! I was using Cinnamon for over half a century but not the “True or Ceylon Cinnamon”? The history of cinnamon in my family kitchen was from “cassia cinnamon” without any one’s knowledge. Neither did I know about it nor my surrounding villagers.
My discovery was for researching some of the cancer fighters where I found this gem. This also helps some chronic illnesses like type 2 diabetes, blood pressure. This was inspired by some of my close relatives, many of them are suffering from these two diseases.
What could be a better gift for anyone? So I thought.
I searched the grocers, Costco, Walmart, and Indian stores. All I found was the kind I use but those are some other forms of Cinnamon. Costco and Walmart shelved Saigon Cinnamon.
The search was extended to Nuts.com an online outfit with great reviews. Lucky me, I found Ceylon Cinnamon. So I called and this was delivered to me the following day. I was pleasantly surprised by the difference in smell, texture, fragility and the way it wears the quill. I am so excited to share you this piece of information to you and just hope you get your buying tips for Ceylon Cinnamon.
Unlabeled Cinnamon Sticks and Powders-How to Differentiate?
| True or Ceylon “Cinnamon” | “Cassia Cinnamon” | ||
| 1 | Attribute | Curls inwards from both the edges | Curls inward from one edge |
| 2 | Color | Tan brown | Reddish dark brown |
| 3 | Texture | Delicate texture, paper-like, rolled bark or quill | Hollow, rough, thick sheet, hard |
| 4 | Taste | Sweet, flavorful, aromatic | Tingly, little harsh, hot |
| 5 | Smell | a mildly spicy, lightly sweet scent | Intense, strong, pungent |
| 6 | Fragility | Fragile and can be easily ground to powder in a kitchen grinder | Difficult to break the sticks and grind. You need a spice jar |
| 7 | Medicinal Aspect | Offers multiple medical benefits- controls obesity, diabetic and blood pressure | Cassia offers similar benefits as Ceylon. However Caasia cinnamon has a higher % of Coumarin which can have side effects if used in excess. |
| 8 | Coumarin content | Contains smaller amounts of Coumarin-a chemical and a blood thinner | Contains large amounts of Coumarin which may adversely impact Kidney and liver |
| 9 | Cost | More than 10 times expensive | Inexpensive |
| 10 | Availability | Available in limited places | Widely available |
| 11 | Country of Origin | Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Seychelles | China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Comoros |
Indian store at times sells the Cassia cinnamon splits. It is easy to differentiate from True or Ceylon Cinnamon.
Is Costco Cinnamon Ceylon or Cassia?
Costco does not sell cinnamon sticks. It sells cinnamon powders in it’s spice sections. The botton carries a label of
” GROUND SAIGON CINNAMON” (IT IS KIRKLAND BRAND) and is reddish in color. The taste and color of the powder can distinguish the true cinnamon when sticks are not available.
Ceylon cinnamon mostly are procured from Sri Lanka.
Now What?
How amazing! Look at the pictures and it is the difference between day and night. Buy it.
Hi
I have been using cinnamon in my cooking for a long time but this is the first time I have heard about Ceylon cinnamon. I have been using the supermarket ground cinnamon occasionally I will buy the bark rolled up. To be truthful I prefer using ground cinnamon in my apple pies, but you have piqued my interest and I may have to buy some to see if I can notice the difference. I think it is great in particular for those on blood thinners, as they can use cinnamon once again.
Do you have to use less than other cinnamon in your cooking?
Thanks
Antonio
Hi Antonio,
To answer your question I just bought some Ceylon cinnamon sticks but I am using similar amounts in my dishes so far.
Thank you for reading the article and your input.
I didn’t know that there is a true cinnamon and the not so true one. I love to eat bread with cinnamon but I did not know what kind of type they uaed in bread. However, based on your article it seems that Cassia cinnamon is being used since it is inexpensive and widely available. I read news about commercial cinnamon being mixed with sawdust. Is there a way to check which one is pure. Sorry the question is not related in your article though.
Hey Dan,
Buying the sticks will help to avoid sawdust in the powder. It is easy to grind up the cinnamons in a kitchen and spice grinders or buy them from reputed companies.
I am happy you brought the question adulteration in cinnamon powders.
Thank you for sharing your experience.
Having used cinnamon in my baking and in my tea for so many years, I thought all cinnamon was just cinnamon. I am now just hearing of this special brand.I read recently about the healing benefits of adding cinnamon to my diet along with honey and based on this article, I am going to check out the availability of the Ceylon kind. It seems to be far superior to my little cinnamon dust which I buy regularly. Thanks for the information and insight.
Happy shopping for Ceylon cinnamon, JJ.
Thank you for going through the article.
This was a very informative article. I have been cooking with cinnamon for decades and had no idea that there were different types and that one is more beneficial that the other. I have not had a chance to try your comparison list since reading this post, but I plan to do so this week. I am interested to see if I have been buying the Ceylon Cinnamon. Next, if not buying the correct type, I am going to find a store that sells and begin to use it. Thanks for this clear, concise guide to cinnamon. Cinnamon, as I said, is a spice which is primary to my cooking. I appreciate knowing that there is a type which is superior.
Hi Anastazja,
I am glad that you found the article informative. I never knew until recently about Ceylon cinnamon. I have got my first ever bag from Nuts.com. It is a world of difference from the cinnamon I used to use which is cassia.
Thank you for your time in reading the article.
Hi Anusuya, many thanks for the comparison chart. It is interesting. Last year I was in Sri Lanka and visited a cinnamon plantation. The smell of cinnamon is unique and beautiful.
I love spices and I have been using cinnamon when cooking for years. I do recommend Ceylon cinnamon as I believe it is of superior quality as regards to fragrance and taste.
Keep up the good work. Cheers! Marisa
Hey Marisa,
Thank you for sharing your experience of cinnamon in the country of its birth. I just got mine and it is wonderful. Enjoy.