How to distinguish true cinnamon from cassia: key characteristics.

Only four types of cinnamon are commonly used: Chinese, Ceylon, Saigon, and Indonesian. The true or classic cinnamon is Ceylon cinnamon, which grows in India and Sri Lanka. This variety is often referred to as "true" cinnamon. In contrast, cassia, which is less beneficial and of lower quality, is found in China, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

2025-02-22 10:37:10https://zaxid.net/yak_vidrizniti_spravzhnyu_koritsyu_vid_kasiyi_golovni_oznaki_n1604431

Cinnamon is one of the most popular spices in the world, yet not everyone is aware that it comes in several varieties, each differing in composition, properties, and price. For an inexperienced person, it can be challenging to distinguish true cinnamon from cassia, its more affordable counterpart. Ukr.Media explains why it's essential to know the difference, as it affects both the flavor and the health benefits of the spice.

Main Types of Cinnamon

Only four types of cinnamon are actively used: Chinese, Ceylon, Saigon, and Indonesian. True or classic cinnamon is Ceylon cinnamon, which grows in India and Sri Lanka. This variety of spice has earned the title of true cinnamon. Cassia, which is less beneficial and of lower quality, grows in China, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

How to Distinguish Ceylon Cinnamon from Cassia

The taste and aroma of cassia and cinnamon are significantly different. Cinnamon powder is milder, with a slightly sweet flavor and a light, spicy aroma. In contrast, cassia has a sharper, richer taste and a quite pungent, fiery aroma.

Since true cinnamon is expensive, stores predominantly sell cassia. The price of Ceylon cinnamon is 3.5 times higher than that of its counterpart, due to the factor of manual harvesting of the spice.

When choosing cinnamon in a store, it's essential to carefully examine the information on the packaging. Ceylon cinnamon is labeled as Cinnamomum zeylonicum, while cassia is identified as Cinnamomum aromaticum. The manufacturer may only state the country of origin, so you should look for Sri Lanka as a point of reference.

Cinnamon and cassia can also be distinguished by their appearance. A thick stick of cassia is coarse, with dark, uneven coloring, and less curled. Ceylon cinnamon curls up like papyrus with a thin wall; its edge is fragile, and the fiber structure is uniform and light.

Experts recommend purchasing cinnamon sticks, as it is difficult to differentiate between the genuine spice and its substitute when ground.

There is also a simple method for detecting a counterfeit: you can drop iodine onto the powder and observe the color change. True cinnamon turns blue, while cassia powder shows a dark blue hue. However, keep in mind that cassia is predominantly sold in powdered form.