Did you know that the cinnamon industry brings in billions of dollars and continues to grow every year? It’s not hard to believe, considering it’s such a delicious and warm spice that enhances all kinds of dishes.
With so many cinnamon products to choose between, it’s often overwhelming for people to pick the right type of cinnamon. Many people aren’t certain what the differences are between Cassia cinnamon vs Ceylon cinnamon.
We’re here to help. Listed down below are all of the key factors everyone should know about these different cinnamon spices that’ll make it simple to choose the right one!
Origins
Cassia cinnamon originated in China, which is why it’s often referred to as Chinese cinnamon. It has a rougher consistency and darker color compared to Ceylon. It is such a popular and widespread spice that almost all cinnamon is made from the Cassia variety.
It’s a cheap option and many consider it to be lower quality because of this.
Ceylon cinnamon comes from Sri Lanka and India and is often seen as the truest cinnamon. It is a light brown color and has a softer texture. It’s rarer than the Cassia variety which makes it harder to find and more expensive to buy.
Flavor
The essential oil called cinnamaldehyde is what gives cinnamon its iconic spicy and warm zing.
Cassia contains a very high percentage of this essential oil, which makes this variety strong in flavor. It keeps its flavor intact even when it’s cooked with other things.
Ceylon has almost half as much as Cassia, which gives it a milder and sweeter flavor. This makes it best for simpler recipes.
Health Benefits
There are many health benefits when it comes to cinnamon, which makes it a great addition to any diet. The good news is that you’ll get more or less the same health benefits regardless of which variety you prefer.
There are no significant differences between the two if you’re looking to include it in your adventure to better health.
Potential Toxicity
Although both cinnamon varieties give much of the same health benefits, there is one key factor to keep in mind.
Coumarin is a potentially toxic compound that can cause a lot of health problems when ingested in high quantities. Cassia cinnamon contains this compound but Ceylon does not.
This is one of the biggest Ceylon cinnamon benefits. It’s also why many people prefer to use Ceylon cinnamon for diabetes and other health improvements.
If you plan to include large quantities of cinnamon into your new diet, it’s best to choose Ceylon to avoid any problems!
Choosing Cassia Cinnamon vs Ceylon Cinnamon Depends on Your Needs
Since there is no true winner in the battle of Cassia cinnamon vs Ceylon cinnamon, you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons of each. Think about what you want out of your cinnamon consumption. Think about availability and cost factors.
No matter which you choose, you’re certain to enjoy lots of delicious cinnamon treats!
Are you looking to learn more interesting facts to keep living your best life? Check out the rest of our Health section to find all the information you’ll ever need!