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Cinnamon Varieties: Is Ceylon Or Cassia The Best Varieties?

It doesn’t matter whether it’s a cinnamon star, cinnamon roll, or Franzbrötchen – cinnamon, as one of the oldest spices in the world, is a popular ingredient in numerous pastries. However, there are always discussions about the health advantages and disadvantages of the different types of cinnamon. You can find out more about the difference between cassia cinnamon and Ceylon cinnamon here.

Cinnamon as a natural remedy

The spice is one of the oldest in the world and has been used as a spice and medicine for thousands of years. It is obtained from the bark of the cinnamon laurel tree. Due to the polyphenols contained in the spice, cinnamon can trigger a blood sugar-lowering effect and thus increase the effect of insulin. Scientific studies have found that cinnamon has a positive effect on glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels. In addition, the essential oils contained in cinnamon are said to strengthen the immune system and fight bacterial infections as well as stimulate the cardiovascular system.

Cassia cinnamon

In contrast to Ceylon cinnamon, Cassia cinnamon, which mainly comes from southern China, has a very high coumarin content. It tastes very spicy and tart than Ceylon cinnamon. This strong taste is due to the cinnamaldehyde, which, however, can trigger strong reactions, especially in allergy sufferers. Due to its strong taste, Cassia cinnamon is well suited for baking. However, the amount used should be kept as low as possible due to the high coumarin content and should not exceed 0.1 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. Cassia cinnamon does not contain anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving eugenol. In contrast to Ceylon cinnamon, Cassia cinnamon is cheaper and of inferior quality. However, studies show that cassia cinnamon has a greater impact on lowering blood sugar levels.

Ceylon cinnamon

Ceylon cinnamon comes from Sri Lanka and Southwest India and is also known as “real cinnamon”. It differs from Cassia cinnamon due to its significantly lower coumarin content. Ceylon cinnamon also contains essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and manganese. The taste is less tart than that of cassia cinnamon, but still very aromatic and somewhat sweet. The difference between the two types of cinnamon is also evident in their appearance: while Cassia cinnamon comes from mature trees and is characterized by a relatively dark color, Ceylon cinnamon is rather light and has a finer texture because it is obtained from the bark of young trees. In addition, unlike Cassia cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon contains up to 10% eugenol. However, Ceylon cinnamon also contains a high proportion of cinnamaldehyde, which is particularly important for allergy sufferers.

Trait – Cassia – Ceylon

  • Appearance dark light
  • Aroma is strong, tart noble, sweetish
  • Coumarin content high low
  • Price inexpensive high quality

What is coumarin

Coumarin is a natural flavoring substance that can be harmful to health in large quantities. You will find this substance mainly in woodruff, in the tonka bean, and in cassia cinnamon. Coumarin has a blood-thinning effect and can be problematic for the liver and kidneys if larger than average amounts are consumed on a regular basis. Possible consequences are kidney problems, liver inflammation, and even severe liver damage. It is believed that excessive consumption can even have a carcinogenic effect. However, since you probably only eat large amounts of cinnamon during the Christmas season, consumption is usually harmless. If you suffer from impaired blood clotting and maybe even take blood-thinning medication, you should avoid cassia cinnamon entirely.

What to look out for when buying

Cinnamon is often not clearly identified on the list of ingredients. If only cinnamon is there, you can assume that it is the cheap alternative Cassia cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon is explicitly shown because it represents a special quality feature. You are most likely to find Ceylon cinnamon in organic products.

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Written by John Myers

Professional Chef with 25 years of industry experience at the highest levels. Restaurant owner. Beverage Director with experience creating world-class nationally recognized cocktail programs. Food writer with a distinctive Chef-driven voice and point of view.

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