Know Your Cinnamon

It's baking season, and cinnamon is basking in the glow of the spotlight. Did you know not all cinnamon tastes the same? We carry three varieties, each with its own distinct flavor profile, and knowing the difference can genuinely change how your baking turns out.

A little background: cinnamon is the inner bark of a tropical evergreen tree, and it's been a prized spice for over 4,000 years. Ancient Egyptians imported it as early as 2000 BCE, Moses used it in holy anointing oil, and Arab spice traders kept its source a closely guarded secret until the 16th century. Fast forward to today and it's still a prized ingredient in baking and more.

Here's a quick guide to the three varieties we carry:

Saigon (Vietnamese) Cinnamon is the boldest of the three. It has the highest essential oil content of any cinnamon variety, which translates to an intense, spicy-sweet flavor and aroma that really stands out in baking, candies, and curries. If you want your cinnamon to pack a punch, this one is for you.

Korintje (Indonesian) Cinnamon is the one most of us grew up with. This is the familiar cinnamon taste you'd find in most grocery store spice jars. If you've ever wondered what "ground cassia" means in a recipe, this is it. It holds the middle ground between Saigon and Sri Lankan, smooth with just a little edge. It's great for everyday baking, coffee drinks, fruit dishes, and rice puddings.

Sri Lankan "True" Cinnamon (also called Ceylon cinnamon) is the most delicate of the three. Native to the island of Sri Lanka, it has a complex, subtle flavor that's less spicy and sharp than the cassias. It's the preferred cinnamon in European and Mexican cuisines and a staple in any serious pastry chef's pantry. If you're making something where cinnamon is the star and you want nuance over punch, this is the one. 

Need sticks? We carry two: hard stick cassia, great for stirring into mulled cider, hot chocolate, and cocktails, and soft stick "true" cinnamon, which is more delicate and can be ground or used in dishes where you want a subtler touch. 

And if you're looking for a shortcut, our Cinnamon Sugar, Apple Pie Spice Blend, and Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend are customer favorites this time of year. Less measuring, fewer jars, and same great flavor.

Find them all in the Baking section of the shop or allspiceonline.com.