Different varieties of Cinnamon from around the world (2024)

FAQs

Different varieties of Cinnamon from around the world? ›

There are four main types of cinnamon: cassia, Ceylon, Saigon, and Korintje. Each has its own flavor profile and chemical composition.

There are four main types of cinnamon: cassia, Ceylon, Saigon, and Korintje. Each has its own flavor profile and chemical composition.

Many folks refer to Ceylon cinnamon as “the world's best cinnamon”, or by another moniker, “true cinnamon”, and it is indeed fantastic. Ceylon cinnamon comes from the Cinnamomum Verum tree, which is native to Sri Lanka (previously known as Ceylon).

Ceylon cinnamon is much lower in coumarin and poses a lower risk of toxicity. If you want to try this variety, you can find it online or in health food stores — though it comes with a higher price tag.

As a type of cassia cinnamon, Saigon cinnamon may aid in reducing insulin resistance, which can help to regulate your blood sugar. Some studies also show that cassia cinnamon may help to reduce blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

McCormick, a more than 125-year-old company, is a trusted name in the food industry that you can count on to deliver a marriage of quality and affordability. Their ground cinnamon is classified as cinnamon cassia, so the flavor profile is much stronger and sweeter than Ceylon cinnamon.

The cinnamon mostly used in Mexican cuisine is called Ceylon, or Canela in Spanish, and it is also known as true cinnamon. It is quite different from Cassia, which is mostly found in US stores. However, as time moves on, one can find true cinnamon in an increasing number of stores here.

Therefore, if you regularly eat a lot of cinnamon or take a supplement that contains it, then it should be Ceylon and not cassia. Bottom Line: Cassia contains a lot of coumarin, which can be toxic in large quantities. It is much safer to choose Ceylon if you eat a lot of cinnamon.

And why is it so expensive? Ceylon cinnamon is named after the old British name for Sri Lanka, and it is often considered "real" cinnamon. It is made from the dried inner bark of a tree called Cinnamomum verum. Growing these trees is an investment.

Alba is prepared from the well-selected, mature, but thin inner bark of the Ceylon cinnamon tree. It offers great taste than all other grades of Ceylon cinnamon. This is the finest, rarest, and most expensive cinnamon grade on the planet.

Which cinnamon is best for blood sugar? ›

Many studies have suggested that cinnamon can lower blood sugar and help manage common diabetes complications, among other health benefits. If you want to take a cinnamon supplement or add it to your meals to help lower your blood sugar, it may be best to use Ceylon instead of Cassia.

Coumarin is a flavouring substance which is contained in relatively high concentrations in cinnamon varieties collectively known as "Cassia cinnamon". In especially sensitive persons, even comparatively small quantities of coumarin can cause liver damage, although the effect is usually reversible.

Considered the world's best cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon has been grown and produced in Sri Lanka for generations.

Once the bark is harvested from a cinnamon tree in Vietnam to make Kirkland Signature Saigon Cinnamon, the remaining parts of the tree are sold by the farmers for furniture building, paper production, essential oil extraction, and medicinal and herbal remedies.

When it comes to colour, Ceylon Cinnamon is tan brown whereas Cassia Cinnamon takes some reddish dark brown. As far as the texture or the feel is concerned, Ceylon Cinnamon is thin and papery and forms multiple layers when rolled up.

You should stop taking it if you experience any gastrointestinal, skin, or mouth reactions. A little cinnamon goes a long way. To reap the health benefits of cinnamon, most individuals can consume roughly one-third to 1 teaspoon (max dose) of Ceylon cinnamon powder a day into their diet.

Both Ceylon and cassia are healthy and delicious. However, if you intend to consume large amounts of this spice or take a supplement, cassia can be harmful because of the coumarin content. At the end of the day, Ceylon cinnamon is better quality and much safer.

Alba Cinnamon is considered as the highest grade of Ceylon cinnamon that is available in the cinnamon market. Since it is prepared by taking the finest and thin inner bark of Ceylon cinnamon tree, in nature, this grade of cinnamon is very rare, and at the same time provides top quality taste of Ceylon cinnamon.