For centuries, cinnamon has been used medicinally and in many dishes around the globe – but did you know, not all cinnamon is created equal?
If you’re left wondering, “Are there different types of cinnamon?” then it’s time to expand your horizons (and your spice rack)!
Keep reading to discover the different types of cinnamon and the best type of cinnamon to buy.
How Many Types of Cinnamon Are There?
Cinnamon is the dried inner bark of the Cinnamomum, a genus of the evergreen tree. It can come in the traditional form of a cinnamon quill, also known as a cinnamon stick, or ground into powder.
There are two main types of cinnamon: Cassia cinnamon and Ceylon cinnamon.
Coumarin is an organic compound found in cinnamon and can cause kidney and liver failure. The levels of coumarin differ between the two types, which is a key factor in choosing the right cinnamon.
Different Types of Cinnamon
The two different types of cinnamon can be distinguished by how they are harvested and differing features like color, taste, aroma, and appearance.
1. Cassia Cinnamon
Cassia cinnamon hails from the Cinnamomum cassia tree.
If you’re a cinnamon novice, odds are Cassia cinnamon is the type that’s sitting in your spice rack. Cassia has cornered the cinnamon market in North American, accounting for 70% of all imported cinnamon.
There are three types of Cassia cinnamon: Indonesian, Vietnamese, and Chinese. Cassia varieties share similar traits and are sometimes called “hard type” cinnamon.
Characteristics of Cassia quills are sweet-spicy flavor, bold aroma, and a dark reddish-brown color.
Cassia cinnamon is the cheaper of the two types and carries high levels of coumarin – about 250 times higher than in Ceylon cinnamon.
2. Ceylon Cinnamon
Often referred to as “true cinnamon,” Ceylon hails from the Cinnamomum verum tree.
Most Ceylon cinnamon originates in Sri Lanka, where over 90% of the spice comes from. But, it can also come from India, Madagascar, Brazil, and the Caribbean.
Producing Ceylon cinnamon is a challenging and time-consuming process. Meaning, it can be harder to source this high-quality spice and come with a higher price tag.
Ceylon cinnamon quills are fragile and sometimes referred to as “soft type” cinnamon. They are notably lighter in color than Cassia and have a fine, layered bark.
The Ceylon variety of cinnamon has ultra-low levels of Coumarin. If you want to reap the health benefits of cinnamon, this is the choice for you!
Ceylon cinnamon touts a medium, subtle-sweet flavor and fragrant aroma. Many sweet and savory dishes call for Ceylon, the main variety used in Europe and Mexico.
Mexico is one of the leading consumers of Ceylon around the globe, and the spice is sometimes referred to as “Mexican cinnamon.”
The Winner
While Cassia cinnamon has a bold-spicy flavor and is easy to find, it may not be the best type of cinnamon to buy.
If you’re interested in the health benefits of cinnamon, or you like to consume the spice in large quantities, seek out the Ceylon cinnamon variety.
Now that you know the different types of cinnamon: spice up your pantry, dust off those baking sheets, and be sure to check out our blog for great recipes and more!
