Discover 4 Types of Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a popular spice beloved for its warm, sweet, and spicy flavor. I’ve always been a huge fan of cinnamon’s warm, comforting flavor and that incredible, inviting smell that fills the kitchen whenever it’s used. Lately, I’ve started incorporating cinnamon into my daily routine—like adding a sprinkle to my morning coffee—and I couldn’t help but want to learn more about this amazing spice. So, I decided to dive deeper.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of cinnamon, how they taste and smell, their health benefits, and the best ways to use each one in your cooking.

The 4 Main Types of Cinnamon

Ceylon Cinnamon (True Cinnamon)

Often considered the “premium” cinnamon, Ceylon is more expensive than other varieties, but its refined flavor and health benefits make it worth the splurge. If you’re making a recipe where cinnamon is the star ingredient, choosing Ceylon can elevate the taste with its soft, aromatic notes.

Origin: Ceylon cinnamon comes from Sri Lanka and southern India.
Taste Profile: Ceylon cinnamon has a delicate, mild flavor with a slight hint of citrus and a more complex sweetness compared to other varieties. It’s less spicy, making it ideal for desserts and sweet treats.
Difference from Store-Bought Cinnamon: Most cinnamon found in regular grocery stores is Cassia cinnamon, which is much spicier and bolder in flavor than Ceylon. Ceylon cinnamon is lighter in color, with more fragile quills, and contains much lower levels of coumarin, a compound that can be harmful in large amounts.
Health Benefits: Known as “true cinnamon,” Ceylon cinnamon is packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It may help lower blood sugar levels and reduce heart disease risk.
Uses: Ceylon is perfect for baked goods like cookies, cakes, and cinnamon rolls. Its subtle sweetness also works well in smoothies, teas, and desserts where you want a hint of spice without overpowering other flavors.

Cassia Cinnamon

Cassia is the variety you’re most likely to find in your spice cabinet or at the grocery store. Because it’s more affordable and has a strong, spicy punch, it’s a popular choice for everyday cooking and baking, especially when you want the cinnamon flavor to stand out.

Origin: Cassia cinnamon primarily comes from China and is sometimes referred to as Chinese cinnamon.
Taste Profile: Cassia is the most common type of cinnamon sold in stores, with a stronger, more intense flavor. It’s spicier and slightly bitter compared to Ceylon.
Difference from Store-Bought Cinnamon: Cassia is the variety you’ll most commonly find in grocery stores. It has a bold, spicy taste and a darker, reddish-brown color. Its quills are thicker and harder compared to Ceylon. While it’s affordable and widely available, it contains higher levels of coumarin, which should be consumed in moderation.
Health Benefits: Cassia cinnamon contains higher levels of coumarin, a compound that can help lower blood sugar but should be consumed in moderation. It also has powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Uses: This bold cinnamon is often used in savory dishes like curries, stews, and marinades. Its robust flavor makes it great for cinnamon-flavored coffees, hot chocolate, and spiced desserts like apple pie.

Saigon (Vietnamese) Cinnamon

Saigon cinnamon is often regarded as the most potent and flavorful, making it a favorite among serious bakers and chefs. Its high oil content gives it a bolder taste, so a little goes a long way. If you love strong cinnamon flavors, Saigon is the way to go.

Origin: As the name suggests, Saigon cinnamon is native to Vietnam.
Taste Profile: Saigon cinnamon is the most aromatic and flavorful of all the cinnamon varieties. It has a strong, sweet, and spicy taste, with hints of pepper and cloves.
Difference from Store-Bought Cinnamon: Saigon cinnamon has a much stronger, more intense flavor than typical grocery store Cassia. Its sweetness and spiciness make it more aromatic and flavorful. You may not find Saigon cinnamon in every store, but it’s available online and in specialty shops, often marketed as a premium option.
Health Benefits: Like Cassia, Saigon cinnamon is rich in cinnamaldehyde, which provides anti-inflammatory benefits and may aid in reducing cholesterol levels. It also contains antioxidants that help protect the body against free radicals.
Uses: Because of its bold flavor, Saigon cinnamon is perfect for dishes that need a strong cinnamon kick. It’s ideal for spiced cakes, cinnamon buns, pumpkin pie, and even adding to barbecue rubs for a unique twist.

Korintje (Indonesian) Cinnamon

Korintje is the go-to cinnamon for commercial bakeries because of its smooth flavor and affordability. It strikes a nice balance between sweetness and spice, making it perfect for large-scale recipes like cookies, pies, and cakes where you want cinnamon to enhance but not overpower the dish.

Origin: Korintje cinnamon is sourced from Indonesia, particularly the island of Sumatra.
Taste Profile: Korintje cinnamon has a smooth and subtle flavor compared to Cassia, with a mild sweetness and a hint of warmth. It’s less intense, making it a great all-purpose cinnamon.
Difference from Store-Bought Cinnamon: Korintje is commonly used in commercial baking for its balanced flavor. It’s less intense than the Cassia cinnamon found in stores, making it more versatile for large-scale recipes where you don’t want the cinnamon to overpower other ingredients. Though not always available in regular stores, it can be found online or in specialty spice shops.
Health Benefits: This cinnamon variety is also rich in antioxidants and can help regulate blood sugar levels. It may assist with reducing inflammation and improving heart health.
Uses: Korintje cinnamon is often used in commercial baking for its balanced flavor. It’s excellent in spice blends, cookies, muffins, and savory dishes like roasted meats or vegetables.

Cinnamon is not just a delicious and versatile spice, but it also offers a variety of health benefits that make it worth incorporating into your daily routine. Whether you prefer the mild, citrusy notes of Ceylon, the bold kick of Saigon, or the balanced flavor of Korintje, each type of cinnamon brings something unique to the table. Whether you’re sprinkling it on your oatmeal, mixing it into smoothies or coffee or using it in savory dishes like our Chipotle Fried Apples, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this amazing spice. Give it a try and see how cinnamon can elevate your daily meals!

Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. While cinnamon has been associated with certain health benefits, individual results may vary. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or health routine, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking medication. The claims about cinnamon’s health benefits are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.