How to Identify Real Ceylon Cinnamon: A Guide to the True Spice of Sri Lanka

How to Identify Real Ceylon Cinnamon: A Guide to the True Spice of Sri Lanka

Cinnamon is one of the world’s most beloved spices, used in everything from pastries to curries. But did you know that what most people call “cinnamon” isn’t actually true cinnamon? That title belongs to Ceylon Cinnamon — also known as Cinnamomum verum — and it originates right here in Sri Lanka.

In this blog, we’ll show you how to distinguish real Ceylon Cinnamon from its cheaper counterpart, Cassia, and why it matters for your health, flavor, and authenticity.

🌿 1. Check the Appearance

Ceylon Cinnamon sticks (quills) are:

  • Light brown or tan in color

  • Thin and fragile, made of multiple soft layers rolled together like a cigar

  • Easy to break by hand

Cassia Cinnamon, in contrast, is:

  • Reddish brown

  • Thick and hard, usually curled inward from both sides

  • Tough and woody

✅ Tip: If it snaps like brittle paper, it's likely Ceylon. If it feels like a tree branch, it's Cassia.

👃 2. Smell the Aroma

Ceylon Cinnamon has a delicate, sweet aroma — almost floral or citrusy.
Cassia has a stronger, harsher smell with a sharp bite.

✅ Real cinnamon shouldn’t overwhelm your senses. It should invite them.

🍽️ 3. Taste Test

Ceylon Cinnamon is:

  • Subtle and complex in flavor

  • Sweet, warm, and slightly earthy

Cassia is:

  • Spicy, pungent, and can be overpowering

✅ Use Ceylon for desserts, teas, and everyday cooking. The flavor enhances rather than dominates.

🏷️ 4. Read the Label

Look for:

  • “Ceylon Cinnamon”, “Cinnamomum verum”, or “True Cinnamon”

  • Country of origin: Sri Lanka

  • Certifications (like GMP, Organic, Fair Trade)

Avoid vague terms like “cinnamon” or products from regions like China, Indonesia, or Vietnam — which often supply Cassia.

💊 5. Know the Health Difference

Ceylon Cinnamon is prized not just for its taste but also for its low coumarin content — a natural compound that can be toxic in high doses.

  • Ceylon Cinnamon: Very low in coumarin — safe for daily use

  • Cassia Cinnamon: High in coumarin — can affect liver health with overuse

✅ For regular use in teas, smoothies, or wellness routines, Ceylon Cinnamon is the safer choice.

🏡 6. Trust the Source

At Ceylon Especias, we grow our cinnamon in Elpitiya, Sri Lanka, using traditional harvesting methods, and hand-process each quill for maximum quality. Our products are GMP certified, sustainably sourced, and packaged with care to retain aroma and freshness.

🌱 When you choose Ceylon Especias, you're not just buying cinnamon. You're bringing home a piece of Sri Lanka’s heritage.

📦 Want to Try Real Ceylon Cinnamon?

Explore our premium cinnamon products and taste the difference of authentic Ceylon spice — directly from the source.

 

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