Differences of real Ceylon cinnamon from cassia
Ceylon Cinnamon much more appreciated cassia, because it has more valuable properties and delicate aroma. But often, cassia is marketed as cinnamon, since cinnamon is a very laborious and expensive process. How to distinguish cinnamon from cassia and get really valuable and useful spice?
For you, we have prepared a comparative table.Please note that cassia contains a large amount of coumarin, so it is not recommended to add it in the process of cooking.
Distinguishing the appearance of the sticks is easy, and to determine the authenticity of cinnamon powder drip on it with a solution of iodine.
All details are in the following table.
Difference |
Ceylon (real) cinnamon |
Cassia |
---|---|---|
Marking |
Cinnamomum zeylanicum |
Cinnamomum aromaticum |
Colour |
Light brown |
It has a red-brown color, non-uniform shade, which sometimes turns from dark brown to gray. |
Appearance sticks |
It is prepared from separate layers of very thin bark, as a rule, less than 1 mm., Inserted one into another. |
It twists with difficulty, which is why it is most often sold in the form of bark flakes. The rough texture and thickness of about 3 mm. On the break is visible grain. |
Aroma and taste |
Finely spicy. This is the finest flavor of the landmarks of the species. Better than other species absorbed by the body. Pleasant aroma and taste. |
More tart taste due to the high content of tannins. Sweetish tart and sharp taste without tenderness inherent to Ceylon cinnamon. |
Coumarin content |
Insignificant |
Significant. Due to the negative effects of coumarin on the body is not recommended. |
Preparation method |
|
|
Color change when exposed to powder iodine solution |
Does not change |
Change to dark blue |
In appearance, to distinguish the stick of Ceylon cinnamon from cassia is not difficult.
Watch the following video about the difference between cinnamon and cassia.
Thank! Now I will know, everything is laid out on the shelves!
Thank! I read about cassia, it is harmful. Now I will buy cinnamon only as a whole, in order to know for sure that the spice will be in favor)
Yes, we were introduced on an excursion in Sri Lanka) Exactly such thin and fragile, was real Ceylon cinnamon.
Thank you very much.