Cinnamon: What Are the Different Varieties, and How Can You Use Them Properly?
Sweet, warm, and deliciously fragrant, cinnamon is one of those spices that can transform a recipe with just a few pinches. It’s often used in desserts, cookies, and comforting drinks, but it also works well in many savory dishes.
However, the term “cinnamon” actually encompasses several varieties with different flavor profiles. Ceylon cinnamon, cassia, Indonesian cinnamon… How can you tell them apart, and more importantly, which one should you choose for cooking?
Here is our guide to help you better understand the different types of cinnamon and find the one that suits your preferences.
What is cinnamon?
Cinnamon is a spice made from the bark of various species of cinnamon trees. Once harvested and dried, the bark naturally curls into the familiar cinnamon sticks. It can then be used whole or ground into powder.
Depending on its origin and the variety of cinnamon tree it comes from, its flavor can be more or less sweet, woody, warm, or strong.
Among the best-known varieties are Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon.
What are the different varieties of cinnamon?
1. Ceylon cinnamon: sweet and delicate
Ceylon cinnamon is native to Madagascar. It is characterized by a relatively woody flavor and is not very sweet.
How do you use Ceylon cinnamon?
Its subtle flavor is particularly appealing in recipes where you want to add a hint of cinnamon without overpowering the other ingredients.
For example, it goes very well with:
- apple pies and desserts,
- crumbles,
- cookies and shortbread,
- compotes,
- chocolate desserts,
- hot drinks,
- milk-based products.
2. Cassia cinnamon: intense and warm
With a stronger flavor, Cassia cinnamon is distinguished by its powerful, spicy, and warm aromatic profile. Its bark is generally thicker and harder than that of Ceylon cinnamon.
Its character allows it to retain a lovely aromatic presence in rich or slow-cooked dishes.
How do you use Cassia cinnamon?
In particular, it can be used in:
- gingerbread,
- spiced drinks,
- stews,
- curries,
- tajines,
- certain Asian recipes,
- spice blends.
Cinnamon is, in fact, far from being limited to desserts. It is used in many savory dishes, including curries, tagines, and certain spice blends.
Ceylon Cinnamon or Cassia: Which One Should You Choose?
It all depends on the desired result.
For a mild and subtle flavor, especially in delicate desserts, Ceylon cinnamon is particularly well-suited.
For a more pronounced cinnamon flavor, Cassia is a great choice for spicy recipes, slow-cooked dishes, or indulgent treats like gingerbread.
In summary:
| Your Preparation | The Best Cinnamon to Choose |
| Apple pie | Ceylon |
| Compote | Ceylon |
| Crumble | Ceylon |
| Hot chocolate | Ceylon |
| Gingerbread | Cassia |
| Curry | Cassia |
| Tajine | Cassia |
| Spiced Drink | Cassia or Ceylon, depending on the desired intensity |
Ground cinnamon or cinnamon sticks: which should you choose?
In addition to variety, the form of cinnamon also influences how it is used in cooking.
Ground cinnamon
Convenient and easy to measure out, it can be added directly to recipes.
It is particularly suitable for:
- cakes,
- cookies,
- crumbles,
- compotes,
- pie crusts,
- marinades,
- drinks and toppings.
It also makes it easy to sprinkle a hot drink or dessert just before serving.
Cinnamon Sticks
The stick is particularly well-suited for preparations that you want to flavor by infusion.
In particular, you can slide it into:
- a hot drink,
- some milk,
- a compote,
- a sauce,
- a stew.
Once the tea has finished steeping, simply remove the stick before serving.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Cinnamon
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What is the difference between Ceylon cinnamon and Cassia cinnamon?
The main difference lies in their flavor profiles. Ceylon cinnamon has a milder, more delicate, and slightly floral flavor, while Cassia has a more intense, spicy, and warming flavor.
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Which type of cinnamon should you choose for baking?
For delicate baked goods such as apple pie, crumble, or cookies, Ceylon cinnamon is particularly well-suited thanks to its mild flavor profile. For recipes where a more pronounced cinnamon flavor is desired, such as gingerbread, Cassia is a good alternative.
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Can you add cinnamon to a savory dish?
Yes. Cinnamon is used in various cuisines around the world and is often an ingredient in tagines, curries, and spice blends.
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Should you choose ground cinnamon or cinnamon sticks?
It depends primarily on how you plan to use it. The powder is ideal for mixing directly into a dish, while the stick is particularly well-suited for recipes that require steeping, such as certain beverages or simmered dishes.
