Ceylon vs. Cassia: What’s the Difference?

Introduction

Not all cinnamon is created equal. If you’ve ever bought cinnamon at the store, chances are you’ve been using Cassia, the more common, but less healthy variety. The other, lesser-known type is Ceylon cinnamon, often called “true cinnamon.” While both come from the bark of trees, their origins, flavor, health benefits, and safety differ greatly.

In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between Ceylon vs. Cassia cinnamon, and why Ceylon is the better option for both taste and health.

1. Origin and Botanical Differences

• Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)
  Native to Sri Lanka, Ceylon cinnamon comes from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree. It’s considered the “true” cinnamon.

• Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia)
  Grown mostly in China, Indonesia, and Vietnam, Cassia cinnamon comes from a related tree, but it’s more common and cheaper to produce.

2. Appearance and Texture

• Ceylon Cinnamon Sticks:
  Thin, soft, and made of multiple delicate layers rolled like a cigar. Easy to break and grind.

• Cassia Cinnamon Sticks:
  Thicker, harder, and hollow. These sticks are more rigid and tougher to grind.

Quick Tip: If the stick is hard and thick, it’s probably Cassia.

3. Taste and Aroma

• Ceylon Cinnamon:
  Subtle, sweet, and delicate flavor. It blends beautifully into dishes without overpowering them.

• Cassia Cinnamon:
  Strong, spicy, and intense. Often used in baking and processed foods for its punchy flavor.

4. Coumarin Content: A Health Concern

One of the most significant differences is coumarin, a natural compound found in much higher concentrations in Cassia cinnamon.

• Cassia Cinnamon:
  High in coumarin, which can be toxic to the liver and kidneys if consumed in large amounts regularly.

• Ceylon Cinnamon:
  Contains only trace amounts of coumarin, making it a much safer choice for daily use, especially for those with liver concerns or blood pressure medication.

5. Price and Availability

• Cassia:
  Cheap and widely available in grocery stores and supermarkets.

• Ceylon:
  Slightly more expensive, but worth it for the purity, safety, and quality. Best purchased from trusted sources like Cinnamon SL, where we guarantee authentic, hand-selected Ceylon cinnamon from Sri Lanka.

Why Choose Ceylon Cinnamon from Cinnamon SL?

At Cinnamon SL, we specialize in premium Ceylon cinnamon powder and sticks, directly sourced from Sri Lankan farms. Our cinnamon is:

• 100% pure and natural

• Low in coumarin

• Sustainably harvested

• Packed fresh for maximum flavor and health benefits