7 Ways to Tell if Your Cinnamon is True Cinnamon ...

By Heather

7 Ways to Tell if Your Cinnamon is True Cinnamon ...

Have all ever thought about whether one of the most everyday spices we consume is actually authentic, true cinnamon? Up until recently, I reached in my spice cabinet everyday, and pulled out my cinnamon, generously shaking it onto oatmeal, in smoothies, on roasted veggies, yogurt, glasses of cold almond milk, and even in soups and stews. It’s no secret that I truly do love cinnamon, as I’m sure you do. Yet, for all these years, I think I’ve been jipped! True cinnamon is not what is sold here in the United States for the most part. In fact, 90% of the cinnamon sold in the United States is a mock cinnamon, which is actually called cassia. The Wall Street Journal has even published an article on this issue. Therefore, I felt the need to share with you a few things about one of my favorite spices. So, let’s talk cinnamon, and I’ll share with you what true cinnamon is, and tell you how to be sure you get your hands on some. Because once you have the real stuff, you’ll never go back to the fake stuff anyway!

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1

Origin

First, the simplest way to tell if your cinnamon is true cinnamon is to check the label. If it says simply “cinnamon” or “cassia,” then you’re not dealing with the real stuff here, ladies. In fact, cassia is actually a species similar to true cinnamon, in the same botanical family, but is just tree bark. That’s right, for all these years we’ve been eating tree bark with our daily bowl of oatmeal, and on our Thanksgiving meals. Yikes! True cinnamon usually comes from Sri Lanka. The label should read “Ceylon cinnamon,” and if it doesn't, you’re not getting the real deal. It should also say this on the front of the package, but when in doubt, look at the ingredient list or label.

UPD:

Ceylon cinnamon, also known as true cinnamon, hails from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree. It's quite the globetrotter before it graces your spice rack, making its way from the picturesque fields of Sri Lanka. If you've got a sharp eye, the fine print on the packaging can be quite the tattletale—a quick glance at the country of origin might just reveal the spice’s true identity. So, next time you're shopping, play detective in the spice aisle and hunt down those elusive Sri Lankan origins!

2

Appearance

Did you know real cinnamon sticks are actually not what you might think? Ceylon, or “true” cinnamon, comes from real cinnamon bark, which is lighter, softer in texture, and much thinner in circumference than typical cinnamon bark (sticks) that we know of. The cinnamon sticks you buy at the store are most likely cassia, and a deep brown color, hard in texture, and very thick in circumference. These do not break easily, whereas true cinnamon does.

UPD:

True cinnamon, or Ceylon cinnamon, is native to Sri Lanka and is known as the “king of spices.” It is made from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree. Ceylon cinnamon is milder in flavor and less pungent than cassia cinnamon. It is also lighter in color and has a more subtle aroma.

Ceylon cinnamon is more expensive than cassia cinnamon, but it is worth the extra cost. True cinnamon has a higher concentration of antioxidants, which can help boost your immune system and protect against chronic diseases. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels.

When comparing true cinnamon and cassia cinnamon, true cinnamon is more delicate in texture and can be easily broken with your fingers. It is also much thinner in circumference than cassia cinnamon.

True cinnamon is often sold in the form of quills, which are long, thin strips of cinnamon bark. It can also be purchased as a powder, which is ground from the quills. True cinnamon is also sold as chips, which are small pieces of bark.

3

Smell

Believe it or not, something that looks so similar to true cinnamon actually smells very different. Unless I had both cassia and Ceylon cinnamon together side by side for you to sniff, you might not notice a huge difference. Yet, compared side by side, I feel sure you would. For one, cassia is very overpowering in scent. I actually love the strong smell, but compared to Ceylon cinnamon, it’s quite overbearing. Ceylon cinnamon is light, mildly spicy-sweet, and somewhat citrusy in smell. It reminds me of fresh baked apple pie, as it truly does have this light, sweet scent to it. Yet, cassia is that strong scent you know of, where you take one whiff and it sort of overwhelms your senses. Try smelling some Ceylon cinnamon, and after that, you’ll know next time what true cinnamon actually smells like.

UPD:

Cassia's pungent aroma can easily dominate a spice blend, overwhelming more subtle flavors. In comparison, Ceylon's delicate sweetness and hint of citrus blend beautifully into dishes, enhancing rather than overpowering. Think of it as the difference between a bold perfume and a light, refreshing cologne – both have their place, but they offer distinct sensory experiences. Ceylon's gentle warmth is especially perfect for those who appreciate nuance in their culinary creations, while cassia might suit those who favor a bolder statement in their dishes and desserts.

4

Fancy Terms

I’ve seen so many different kinds of cinnamon out there. I often thought because they had a fancy term, such as Saigon cinnamon or Vietnamese cinnamon, that I had my hands on some pretty elite cinnamon. Boy, was I wrong! Terms like those mentioned, along with Korintje or Chinese cinnamon, are merely cassia cinnamon that comes from those regions across the world. All of these are mostly from the cassia plant, not true cinnamon.

UPD:

Cinnamon is a popular spice that adds flavor to many dishes and drinks. It is derived from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum. True cinnamon, also known as Ceylon cinnamon, is native to Sri Lanka and is considered to be the highest quality and most expensive variety. Saigon cinnamon, Vietnamese cinnamon, Korintje cinnamon, and Chinese cinnamon are all varieties of cassia cinnamon and are not true cinnamon.

Cassia cinnamon is darker in color, more pungent in flavor, and has a higher oil content than true cinnamon. It is also less expensive and more widely available than true cinnamon. Cassia cinnamon is derived from the bark of the Cinnamomum cassia tree, which is native to China and Indonesia.

In addition to being used as a spice, cinnamon is also known for its medicinal properties. It is often used to treat digestive issues, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation. It is also believed to have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

5

Health Facts

This is something you need to know about the difference between cassia and true cinnamon, even though you can’t spot it directly. All other forms of cinnamon, except for Ceylon cinnamon, are extremely high in a plant substance known as coumarin. Coumarin has been found in multiple studies to be extremely high in toxic properties that can burden the liver in large amounts. Large amounts here can include as much as 4- 6 teaspoons of cinnamon a day. Now, if you hardly use cinnamon, this might not be a concern, but I know I use 1-2 tablespoons a day, meaning I need to stick with Ceylon cinnamon to be safe. Be sure you know your facts about cinnamon, so you can make the best decision for you.

UPD:

While Ceylon cinnamon, also known as true cinnamon, hails primarily from Sri Lanka and parts of India, it's less common and often more expensive than cassia, but worth the investment for health-conscious individuals. Despite this difference, cinnamon, in general, offers numerous health benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties and blood sugar regulation. However, the key is moderation and ensuring you're consuming primarily the Ceylon variety if you're taking it daily or in larger quantities. Always listen to your body and consider consulting a health professional to discuss your specific dietary needs.

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6

Taste

This factor is the deal breaker for me, as I’m sure it will be for you too. Health concerns are important, but we still want our food to taste good. Well, you know you have your hands on true cinnamon when it doesn’t overpower the rest of your food. Try it in coffee, and you’ll be able to tell a huge difference. Ceylon, or true cinnamon, will have a very pleasant, light, and slightly sweet taste, with just a tiny hint of spice. Cassia will be strong, even slightly bitter, with more of that robust flavor you might know cinnamon to taste like. I grew up loving cinnamon, even though it was cassia, so by no means do I intend to imply that cassia tastes horrible, but once you try Ceylon, you’ll have a new appreciation for what true cinnamon is supposed to taste like.

7

Cost

Here’s another way to tell if your cinnamon is true cinnamon or not- its price tag! You get what you pay for when it comes to cinnamon. If you buy a pound for under $10, which I’ve done plenty of times, you’re not getting the good stuff. Ceylon cinnamon is not cheap, and averages around $30 a pound, but it does last a very long time, and it’s the best of the best. Plus, it’s so pleasant in taste, you can use less to get the desired taste you want. It’s also much fresher, by the way. I actually like to purchase mine from a company that hand grinds the cinnamon themselves, and gets the cinnamon stick straight from Sri Lanka.

Next time you buy cinnamon, please do your research. There’s no harm in buying cassia or fake cinnamon in a pinch, but if you want true cinnamon, buy Ceylon cinnamon from a reputable source. Have you ever had Ceylon cinnamon, or true cinnamon?

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Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

#1 how to be sure the label tell the truth? I used to hate cinnamon and prefer my food not associated with any pinch of it Many years ago I need to look after my health because oh I got pre diabetic . Have to be careful of foods . Because of studies say that cinnamon helps reduce your blood glucose, that why I force myself to take cinnamon in my meal, even though not sure if it is real one in any package I bought.

We had a cinnamon tree growing in our garden by the entrance in Liberia. Trouble was so many passers by picked at the stem to eat strips of it. You must never remove the bark in a continual circle or it will kill it. They really are beautiful trees.

Hi !! Some how I knew there was some wrong with the cinnamons lol I am from Brazil n I got a work/trainee visa to live in America for one year. I bought a little bottle of Cinnamon from a store called dollar tree or family dollar I don’t remember, but the moment I opened I knew it wasn’t true cinnamon. I made cinnamon rolls with it n it was horrible I could not taste cinnamon at all. I think even cassia could not be lol . They are faking everything nowadays. I am also addicted to cinnamon n I am in shock to know how much of toxins I took having Cassia lol One tip that I am gonna do. Buy the real cinnamon sticks, smash them n finish in a coffee grinder. Thank you for the article! Love it

Can you tell us the name of the company that you purchase the cylan cinnamon?

I have tried several times to test with iodine tincture but many times it comes out the same color, do these companies mix and match, to pretend it is the real thing. how to know for sure????????

#4 this info your sharing is just what i eas looking for. I posted a question asking, Are Ceylon cinnamon sticks supposed to be soft, crumbley, and almost no smell? Is it old? Thanks for aswering my qualifications before i even asked lol 😀😂🤣. Now i wonder what i should grind them down to powder, perhaps my new Breville 16 cup sous chef food processor. !!!

V. Informative, thanks

Dam i just bought a whole bunch of fake cinnamon the other day, it does smell good, guess i can make potpourri .

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