Ceylon vs. Cassia cinnamon- Which one is right for you?

Even though most of you may not know, cinnamon has variants based on the kind and flavor. You must have heard about Ceylon cinnamon, which is quite famous for its earthy taste and health benefits around the world.

However, there is another type of cinnamon known as the cassia cinnamon, which, as per reviews, has a strong, bold taste.

So, let us find out which one of these cinnamon types is right for you.

Cinnamon and its health benefits

A common spice, cinnamon is the bark of the Cinnamonum tree. The cinnamon that we commonly take comes from the inner bark, which is dried as it rolls into sticks, also known as quills.

As per studies, cinnamon is a source of some healthy oils inside it, along with cinnamaldehyde, which has many health benefits and also gives it a unique aroma and flavor.

Cassia cinnamon

As per culinary experts, this sort of cinnamon has its origins in southern China, which is why it is also known as Chinese cinnamon.

Based on looks, the color of the cinnamon sticks is darker brownish and slightly rough in texture. As per chefs and food experts, this is the low category of cinnamon and is also cheaper. If you get cinnamon from cheap markets or at discounts, remember that the variant you are buying is cassia cinnamon.

It has a strong and spicy, robust, and slightly bitter aftertaste to it. Couramin is a compound which is harmful to your health with long-term and more frequent use that is present in it.

Because of its slightly strong and intense flavor, it is used in recipes that are cinnamon-based, like cinnamon rolls, and any type of spicy baked food items. The cinnamaldehyde (essential oil) is, however, high at about 90-95% because of which it has this spicy flavor.

Ceylon cinnamon

Native to Sri Lanka, this is the actual or ‘true cinnamon’. Based on the appearance, it has a tan brown color with soft layers inside that break easily with fingers on applying pressure.

This is the more pricey version of cinnamon than the cassia variety. The coumarin content in this type of cinnamon is usually low, which is why it is safe to take.

Talking about its taste, it is mostly light, sweet, and earthy. This is why it is perfect for desserts and sweet dishes. Cinnamaldehyde, the essential oil, is, however, low in this variant at about 50 to 60%.

Cassia and Ceylon cinnamon- Which one is best for you?

Well, if you want to go for the taste, it depends on the type of recipe you want to have. If you want to prepare a sweet dish with a natural sweet flavor and have a high budget, you should go for the more pricey Ceylon cinnamon. However, if you want to prepare a spicy dish, Cassia would be the best type.

If you are choosing the best cinnamon type to add the natural oils in it, definitely it is more in the Cassia cinnamon. However, it also has a toxin called coumarin, which may cause health issues if taken in too much.