I know, technically cinnamon is not an herb. It's tree bark! Did you know that? Did you also know that there are more than one type of cinnamon. If you want to get the most out of cinnamon you must know if you're using true cinnamon.
Cinnamon is probably my most favorite spice. I love the taste, the smell and the way it makes you think of fall afternoons. It wasn't until recently that I discovered there are at least two different types of out there. There is Ceylon or also called Cinnamon Verum or true cinnamon. Then there's the typical store bought kind Cassia cinnamon or Chinese cinnamon. What are the differences and which one should you use for your health?
Ceylon Cinnamon
Ceylon cinnamon has been hailed as the "true cinnamon" or the "real cinnamon" that possesses outstanding health benefits especially for the diabetics and those challenged by obesity and high cholesterol issues. Unfortunately this cinnamon which is native to Sri Lanka and from the plant Cinnamomum zeylanicum is rather unknown to most people. In the United States and many parts of Asia, what the majority of us have been buying from the grocery store and consuming is actually not the real cinnamon but Cassia cinnamon, which comes from a different plant called Cinnamomum cassia, also known as Chinese cinnamon that are mostly cultivated in China and Indonesia. While the two species of cinnamon share certain characteristics such as antimicrobial, and in terms of inhibiting the growth of fungi and yeast, and regulating blood sugar, their contents differ much in terms of the amount of coumarin, which is a naturally ocurring substance with strong blood-thinning properties. The coumarin level in Ceylon cinnamon is negligibly small, while that in Cassia cinnamon is an appalling 1200 times higher. The ingestion of large amount of coumarin or consumption of coumarin over a prolonged period of time can cause serious health damages and a negative impact on the liver and kidney.
Ceylon cinnamon has been hailed as the "true cinnamon" or the "real cinnamon" that possesses outstanding health benefits especially for the diabetics and those challenged by obesity and high cholesterol issues. Unfortunately this cinnamon which is native to Sri Lanka and from the plant Cinnamomum zeylanicum is rather unknown to most people. In the United States and many parts of Asia, what the majority of us have been buying from the grocery store and consuming is actually not the real cinnamon but Cassia cinnamon, which comes from a different plant called Cinnamomum cassia, also known as Chinese cinnamon that are mostly cultivated in China and Indonesia. While the two species of cinnamon share certain characteristics such as antimicrobial, and in terms of inhibiting the growth of fungi and yeast, and regulating blood sugar, their contents differ much in terms of the amount of coumarin, which is a naturally ocurring substance with strong blood-thinning properties. The coumarin level in Ceylon cinnamon is negligibly small, while that in Cassia cinnamon is an appalling 1200 times higher. The ingestion of large amount of coumarin or consumption of coumarin over a prolonged period of time can cause serious health damages and a negative impact on the liver and kidney.
You can see the difference between these two pictures. The Ceylon cinnamon is thinner with more layers and breaks easier. The flavors are different as well. Ceylon is more sweet and perfect for desserts and my coffee everyday. Where as cassia is bitter and overpowering.
It would definitely be difficult to know the difference when it's already ground. Once you have had true cinnamon you can decipher by smell alone. I purchased some Ceylon cinnamon from my favorite shopping site Amazon. It's a one pound bag and totally worth it. Upon opening the bag I immediately knew the difference! It smelled like cinnamon heaven! Like the in side of a cinnamon roll, like cinnamon bears were dancing all around me! You get the point by now I'm sure. Now I could never go back, especially after knowing all the health benefits. Do you love cinnamon as much as I do? If not, I won't hold it against you. As always I would love to hear from you!
~Amanda~
This post may contain affiliate links.
It would definitely be difficult to know the difference when it's already ground. Once you have had true cinnamon you can decipher by smell alone. I purchased some Ceylon cinnamon from my favorite shopping site Amazon. It's a one pound bag and totally worth it. Upon opening the bag I immediately knew the difference! It smelled like cinnamon heaven! Like the in side of a cinnamon roll, like cinnamon bears were dancing all around me! You get the point by now I'm sure. Now I could never go back, especially after knowing all the health benefits. Do you love cinnamon as much as I do? If not, I won't hold it against you. As always I would love to hear from you!
~Amanda~
This post may contain affiliate links.