Cinnamon is a traditional, popular and familiar spice — the first one many people would think of if asked to name a spice — yet its many types, forms and uses can cause confusion. What are the different types of cinnamon? Which is the most popular type of cinnamon? Learn more about the best types of cinnamon and the health benefits of each with Co-op Market.
Cinnamon or Cassia?
The confusion often begins with the names of cinnamon and cassia. The terms are used interchangeably, with cinnamon winning out as the more commonly used. But there is a distinction botanically. Cinnamon and cassia come from related species with somewhat different physical and flavor characteristics.
In both cases, the spice comes from the inner bark of an evergreen tree. The bark is dried and sold as whole quill pieces (cinnamon sticks) chips, granules or ground into the powder we most commonly associate with the deliciously warm, earthy flavor of cinnamon.
What are the Different Types of Cinnamon?
Frontier Co-op offers three distinctive types of cinnamon/cassia from different countries around the world: Korintje (Indonesia), Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and Vietnamese (Vietnam). Two of the types, Korinje (Cinnamomum burmannii) and Vietnamese (C. loureirii) are actually cassia species. They are reddish-brown and have a deeply complex, pungently sweet flavor. Ceylon, or true, cinnamon (C. verum) is buff-colored, more mildly flavored and sweeter. It comes from Sri Lanka (ancient Ceylon) and the Malabar Coast of India. Different types are preferred in various ethnic cuisines and even kitchen to kitchen. Most of the powdered cinnamon sold in supermarkets today is Korintje, a cassia species.
Ceylon Cinnamon
Ceylon Cinnamon s native to Sri Lanka and southern parts of India. Ceylon cinnamon is less common and has long been prized as a cooking spice compared to its less expensive cousin, Cassia Cinnamon. With a delicate floral and citrusy aroma, it pairs extremely well with desserts, tea and coffee. Shop Frontier Co-op’s Ceylon Cinnamon to taste its luxury.
Korintje Cinnamon
Korinjte Cinnamon is the classic, comforting cinnamon flavor we all know: smooth, warm, and mellow. It's the most commonly imported and consumed cinnamon in the world, including the US. Korintje cinnamon is the perfect option for everyday use. Shop Frontier Co-op’s Ground Korintje Cinnamon for your go-to variety.
Vietnamese Saigon Cassia Cinnamon
Due to Vietnamese Saigon Cassia Cinnamon's highly potent sweetness and spicy kick, chefs across the globe use it to satisfy many of their cooking needs, from cookies and pies to cinnamon rolls, muffins, and cakes. It adds a nice kick to any tea or coffee and serves as a powerful room freshener due to its strong aroma and highly evaporative oils. Shop Frontier Co-op’s Organic Vietnamese Cinnamon for a new flavorful spice.
Of course, descriptions can only go so far in acquainting you with seasonings. The best way to sort out the various options for cinnamon is to try them and experience the different flavors yourself. Lucky for you, Co-op Market has many different types of cinnamon to choose from. Shop cinnamon and other spices here.
Cinnamon Doing Good
Our Vietnamese cinnamon is harvested in the mountainous regions of North Vietnam. Our Well Earth partner there is an ethnically diverse community of farmers who live in remote villages over a vast expanse of the growing area.
Many of their children couldn't attend school simply because the schools were all too far away. Our Vietnam School Project is helping more than 500 of these children go to school. The Project provides dormitories so students can stay at their schools during the week; subsidizes their daily meals; and funds school purchases of cafeteria tables, books and supplies — providing an opportunity for an education they wouldn't otherwise have.
