Ceylon Cinnamon | Cassia Cinnamon |
---|---|
Very expensive and rare to find out from the original country. | Common and cheap spice |
Contains ultra-low Coumarin content which is healthy (~0.004%) | Coumadin level is 1200 times more which causes kidney and liver issues (~5%). |
Recommended for daily use by doctors. | Not recommended for daily use as it causes health problems. |
The color is tan-brown. | The color is reddish-dark brown. |
Very light paper thickness of bark which forms multiple layers rolled up as coil. | Uneven thickness and forms only a few layers (mostly single) when rolled up. |
Fragile, easily broken. | Hard and difficult to grind. |
Delicate and sweet. Create an excellent flavor and aroma. Indigenous to Sri Lanka  | Pungent and full-bodied taste. Recommended for Chinese foods. Originates from China, Indonesia, & Vietnam |
CEYLON CINNAMON VS CASSIA
According to the physical location and chemical characteristics, cinnamon is divided into few main categories. There are significant physical and scientific different among them. But, all of those different varieties are commonly available in the global market as ‘cinnamon’.
- Ceylon Cinnamon (True/ Pure cinnamon) – Cinnamomum zeylanicum syn. Cinnamomum verum, Cinnamomum zeylanicum blume
- Cassia
- Chinese cassia (Chinese cinnamon) – Cinnamomum cassia syn. C. aromaticum
- Vietnamese cassia (Saigon/ Vietnamese cinnamon) – Cinnamomum loureiroi
- Indonesian cassia (Korintje Cinnamon) – Cinnamomum burmannii
How to Identify Original Ceylon Cinnamon
Genuine cinnamon exclusively originates from Sri Lanka, particularly evident when acquiring quills, as the unique quill structure is native to the country. Authentic Ceylon quills exhibit multiple folds of light brown layers, resembling a cigar with a hollow center. In contrast, Cassia quills feature inward-folded, thick, and dark brown layers, often a singular layer creating a central hollow.
Distinguishing characteristics of Ceylon cinnamon include thin, delicate sticks with a layered composition easily crushable between fingers. Conversely, Cassia cinnamon sticks are thicker, possessing a rough texture and typically lack the delicate, layered appearance.
In terms of color, Ceylon cinnamon tends to display a lighter shade, ranging from tan to light brown, while Cassia cinnamon adopts a darker hue, often reddish-brown to dark brown.
Aromatic differences further aid identification: Ceylon cinnamon emits a subtly sweet fragrance with citrus undertones, whereas Cassia cinnamon exudes a stronger, more intense scent with a hint of spiciness.
Cinnamon Products
Ceylon Cinnamon Sticks
Ceylon Cinnamon Leaves
Ceylon Cinnamon Powder
Health Benefits
(True Ceylon Cinnamon)
Anti-inflammatory
Cinnamaldehyde is a natural compound found in the essential oil of cinnamon, and it has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory properties.
Antioxidant properties.
Ceylon cinnamon contains compounds such as cinnamaldehyde and procyanidins, which exhibit antioxidant activity.
Antimicrobial Properties
Ceylon cinnamon also possesses antimicrobial properties, primarily attributed to its essential oil components, including cinnamaldehyde.
Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
One of the key compounds involved in this effect is thought to be cinnamaldehyde. Research suggests that Ceylon cinnamon may enhance insulin sensitivity, improve the uptake of glucose by cells, and lower blood sugar levels.
Improved Heart Health
Ceylon cinnamon may help lower total cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, and triglycerides while maintaining or increasing HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. These changes are generally considered favorable for heart health, as elevated levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.