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As a child, I was a sucker for cinnamon. I always gravitated to cinnamon-flavored foods and candies. Oh, the candies. But one week of my life, I overdid it with the Atomic Fireballs and my face turned into a chipmunk. Seriously. My cheeks got super puffed on the outside and raw on the inside. And ever since, I’d laid low on the artificially, overly indulgent cinnamon flavored candies.
But that is not to say I don’t still use cinnamon nearly every day. Because it’s true. It’s such a lovely spice and I can find great uses for it in my cooking as long as I’m not filling my whole mouth with it.
Cinnamon comes from the bark of trees. This bark has a sweet essence and is used in a variety of dishes worldwide, sweet and savory. And when ground makes for the best tasting bark dust on the planet! It’s one of the most versatile spices. It’s no wonder holidays and celebrations far and wide are laden with it.
But did you know there are different types of cinnamon in this world?!! Yes! It’s true. The two main varieties that cinnamon falls into are CEYLON and CASSIA. If you compare the two you will see that while they have similarities, they are also quite different.
In the photo below, cassia is on the bottom and ceylon is on the top.
Cassia vs. Ceylon
CASSIA CINNAMON is the one most of us are familiar with when we think of cinnamon sticks, in the U.S. at least. It is essentially one very hard, thick layer of reddish-brown bark that curls inward from both sides, creating that quintessential look many of us are accustomed to.
CEYLON CINNAMON is actually known as “true cinnamon.” When you look at it, you’ll see much thinner layers of light-brown bark rolled up tightly and very easy to break. Ceylon has a brighter, more delicate flavor and scent than cassia. This variety has less of a naturally occurring chemical called “coumarin” which apparently, in excess, is not good for our livers. Of course talk to your physician about this but it is a distinction I learned of a few years back.
I have both varieties in my kitchen for different recipes and uses. For a pot of potporri in the fall and winter months, you better believe those cassia cinnamon sticks are boiling strong on the stove! I like to get my spices in bulk when I can and opt for purchasing from one of my favorite co-ops. But I also will purchase ceylon sticks and powder online when I need a larger amount or cannot make it to a store.
All in all, cinnamon is one of those spices that have stood the test of time in my life and in society. It signifies home, love, culture, and warmth. However you decide to use it (as long as you don’t eat a hundred fireballs like me), I know you will find comfort and enjoyment with this splendid spice too!
