Ceylon cinnamon, also known as true cinnamon, is a highly-prized spice derived from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum verum evergreen tree. Native to Sri Lanka and Southern India, Ceylon cinnamon has a very complex flavor profile and aroma that distinguishes it from the more common cassia cinnamon.
Ceylon cinnamon powder is made by grinding the thin inner bark of the cinnamon quills into a fine powder after the outer woody portions have been removed. This powder has a delicate, sweet, and citrusy flavor with subtle spicy undertones. The flavor is complex with notes of clove, citrus, and pepper. Ceylon cinnamon powder has a tan color and is milder in taste compared to the reddish-brown cassia cinnamon powder.
Ceylon cinnamon powder is a versatile spice that can be used to add flavor and fragrance to both sweet and savory dishes. It is popularly used in baking, desserts, cereals, smoothies and beverages. Ceylon cinnamon powder also has many health benefits and antioxidant properties. It may help reduce inflammation, lower blood sugar levels, and improve heart health.
When buying Ceylon cinnamon powder, it is important to choose a reputable brand that sells pure, high-quality powder sourced from Sri Lanka. This buying guide provides tips on how to select the best Ceylon cinnamon powder along with information on where to buy, how to store, and how to use this healthy, flavorful spice.
Anthony's Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Powder
Anthony's Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Powder is made from the inner bark of Cinnamomum zeylanicum trees grown in India. This true cinnamon has a more delicate, complex flavor compared to cassia cinnamon. The powder has an exotic, warm scent with hints of floral and citrus notes.
Anthony's Ceylon cinnamon is USDA organic, non-GMO, gluten free, and vegan. It's a natural preservative and antioxidant. The powder can spice up baked goods, teas, curries, sauces, and vegetable dishes. It's also used in Ayurvedic medicine and associated with balancing blood sugar, reducing inflammation, and supporting cardiovascular and digestive health.
Anthony's cinnamon comes in a resealable 1 pound bag. It's sourced from a long-term farming partner in India.
Key Features:
- Pure, organic Ceylon cinnamon powder
- Grown in India
- Packed in resealable 1 pound bag
What We Like:
- Delicate, complex flavor
- Potent antioxidant
- Ayurvedic health benefits
- Sourced from trusted partner farm
Naturevibe Botanicals Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Powder
Naturevibe Botanicals Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Powder is sourced from Sri Lanka. It's made from the inner bark of Cinnamomum verum trees. This true cinnamon has a sweeter, milder taste compared to cassia cinnamon. The powder has an aromatic, warm scent with a delicate sweet flavor.
Naturevibe's cinnamon is USDA certified organic, non-GMO, gluten free, and vegan. It contains antioxidants like polyphenols. Studies show it may help balance blood sugar, relieve joint pain, reduce inflammation, and support cardiovascular and digestive health.
The cinnamon powder comes in resealable 1 pound or 16 ounce bags.
Key Features:
- 100% organic Ceylon cinnamon
- Packaged in resealable bags
- Sourced from Sri Lanka
What We Like:
- Sweet, delicate flavor
- Natural health benefits
- Reputable organic brand
- Fair pricing for quality
Simply Organic Ground Ceylon Cinnamon
Simply Organic Ground Ceylon Cinnamon is made purely from organic Cinnamomum verum bark. This true cinnamon has a milder, more nuanced flavor compared to cassia varieties. It has a sweet, floral, apple-like taste with citrus notes. The ground powder has a warm, comforting aroma.
Simply Organic's cinnamon is USDA certified organic, non-GMO, and vegan. Their spices are grown without toxic pesticides or irradiation. The delicate flavor works well in finer desserts and beverages that allow it to shine. It's traditionally used in Mexican cuisine too. The cinnamon comes in a 2.08 oz recyclable glass jar.
Key Features:
- 100% pure, organic Ceylon cinnamon
- Award-winning delicate flavor
- Packaged in glass jar
What We Like:
- Complex, nuanced flavor
- Grown sustainably without toxins
- Versatile for baking and cooking
- Sweet, mild taste
FGO Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Powder
FGO Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Powder is 100% raw cinnamon from Sri Lanka. Ceylon has a milder cinnamon flavor than cassia varieties. It has a sweet, exotic scent and subtle flavor notes. The powder can spice up desserts, beverages, and other recipes.
FGO's cinnamon is USDA certified organic, non-GMO, and sustainably sourced. FGO is a small business providing quality organic superfoods to help people live healthier lifestyles. Their Ceylon cinnamon comes in 8 oz or 16 oz resealable kraft bags.
Key Features:
- Organic Ceylon cinnamon from Sri Lanka
- Sold in resealable bags
- Sustainably sourced
What We Like:
- Subtle, exotic flavor
- Reputable small business
- Sustainable sourcing
- Quality organic products
Micro Ingredients Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Powder
Micro Ingredients Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Powder is sourced from Sri Lanka. It's made from the inner bark of Cinnamomum verum trees. This true cinnamon has a delicate, complex flavor compared to cassia varieties. The powder has a mildly sweet taste and warm, spicy aroma.
Micro Ingredients' cinnamon is USDA certified organic, non-GMO, gluten free, and vegan. As a dietary supplement, cinnamon provides antioxidants and other potential health benefits. The powder comes in a 2 lb bag and is third-party tested for purity.
Key Features:
- Sourced from Sri Lanka
- USDA organic certified
- Sold in 2 lb resealable bags
What We Like:
- Delicate true cinnamon flavor
- Organic and ethically sourced
- Good value bulk size
- Purity third-party tested
Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Powder
Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Powder is sourced from Sri Lanka. It's made from the inner bark of Cinnamomum verum trees. This true cinnamon has a more complex yet delicate flavor compared to cassia varieties. The powder has an aromatic, sweet taste with hints of citrus.
Terrasoul's cinnamon is USDA certified organic, kosher, gluten free, and vegan. It has very low coumarin levels compared to cassia cinnamon. Cinnamon provides antioxidants and may help support digestive health, blood sugar, blood pressure, and reduce inflammation.
The cinnamon comes in 1 pound resealable bags. Terrasoul ethically sources premium organic superfoods to provide affordable, quality nutrition.
Key Features:
- 100% organic Ceylon cinnamon
- Sourced from Sri Lanka
- Sold in 1 lb bags
What We Like:
- Delicate, complex flavor
- Very low coumarin
- Organic and ethically sourced
- Affordable pricing
Ceylon Flavors Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Powder
Ceylon Flavors Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Powder is made from Cinnamomum verum trees grown on certified organic farms in Sri Lanka. This true cinnamon has a sweet, mild flavor compared to cassia varieties. The powder has an aromatic, warm scent.
Ceylon Flavors' cinnamon is USDA certified organic and non-GMO. It contains very low levels of coumarin. Ceylon cinnamon is known for its health benefits like supporting blood sugar, digestion, and cardiovascular health.
The powder comes in a 3.5 oz bag. Ceylon Flavors strives to provide affordable, quality organic cinnamon sustainably harvested in Sri Lanka.
Key Features:
- Organic Ceylon cinnamon
- Grown in Sri Lanka
- Sold in 3.5 oz bags
What We Like:
- Sweet, mild flavor
- Very low coumarin
- Sustainably sourced
- Provides health benefits
True Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Powder
True Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Powder is sourced from Sri Lanka. It's made purely from organic Cinnamomum verum bark. This true cinnamon has a delicate, complex flavor compared to cassia varieties. It has a mildly sweet taste and warm, spicy aroma.
True Organic's cinnamon is USDA certified organic, kosher, non-GMO, and gluten free. It provides antioxidants and potential health benefits. The powder comes in a 1 pound bag and is ethically sourced from small farmers in Sri Lanka.
Key Features:
- Sourced from Sri Lanka
- USDA organic certified
- Sold in 1 lb bags
What We Like:
- Delicate true cinnamon flavor
- Organic and sustainably sourced
- Reputable ethical sourcing
- Provides health benefits
The Spice Way True Cinnamon Ceylon Powder
The Spice Way True Cinnamon Ceylon Powder is made from premium Cinnamomum verum bark. This true cinnamon has a sweet, mild flavor compared to cassia varieties. The powder has an aromatic, warm scent.
The Spice Way's cinnamon is pure and free of additives, preservatives or MSG. It's grown and packed fresh in the US using traditional, sustainable farming methods. The powder comes in a 6 oz bag.
Key Features:
- Pure Ceylon cinnamon
- Grown in Sri Lanka
- Sold in 6 oz bags
What We Like:
- Sweet, mild cinnamon flavor
- Sustainably grown
- No additives or preservatives
- Small business brand
Organic Spice Shop Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Powder
Organic Spice Shop Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Powder is sourced from Sri Lanka. It's made from the inner bark of Cinnamomum verum trees. This true cinnamon has a delicately sweet flavor compared to cassia varieties. The powder has a mild, complex aroma.
The cinnamon is USDA and EU organic certified. It's sustainably sourced from small farms in Sri Lanka. Organic Spice Shop strives to provide affordable, quality organic spices. The cinnamon comes in a 7 oz recyclable bag.
Key Features:
- Organic Ceylon cinnamon
- Sourced from Sri Lanka
- Sold in 7 oz bags
What We Like:
- Sweet, delicate flavor
- Sustainably and ethically sourced
- Certified organic
- Small business brand
Buying Guide for Ceylon Cinnamon Powder
When looking to buy Ceylon cinnamon powder, there are a few important factors to consider to ensure you get a high-quality powder with the best flavor, aroma, and health benefits.
Choose Pure Ceylon Cinnamon
- Make sure the label specifies that the cinnamon is 100% Ceylon cinnamon from Sri Lanka, not cassia or Saigon cinnamon.
- Ceylon cinnamon has a light tan color while cassia cinnamon is a darker reddish-brown.
Check the Processing Method
- Ceylon cinnamon powder that is made through a gentle grinding process will retain more oils and therefore have better flavor.
- Avoid cinnamon powder made with harsh chemical solvents which can degrade quality.
Source from Reputable Brands or Spice Stores
- Purchase Ceylon cinnamon powder from well-known spice brands that focus on quality.
- Specialty spice stores and ethnic grocers may offer high-quality cinnamon powder in bulk.
Look for Organic and Sustainably Sourced
- Seek out Ceylon cinnamon powder that is certified organic and ethically sourced. This ensures quality cinnamon free of pesticides and adulterants.
Read Customer Reviews
- Check online customer reviews to help determine if the cinnamon powder has good aroma, complex flavor and consistency.
Avoid Fillers and Additives
- Make sure the cinnamon powder does not contain any fillers like cassia cinnamon, sugar, starches or preservatives.
Consider Whole Cinnamon Quills
- Buying whole quills and grinding small batches as needed will provide the freshest, most flavorful cinnamon powder.
Check Packaging and Appearance
- Ceylon cinnamon powder should come in an airtight, opaque container to protect from light and air.
- The powder should have a fine, uniform texture with a light tan color.
Know Where the Cinnamon is Grown
- The best quality Ceylon cinnamon comes from Sri Lanka. Lower grade cinnamon is grown in other regions.
Determine Intended Use
- If using for savory cooking, a coarser grind may be preferable. For baking, a fine powder is ideal.
FAQ
Is Ceylon cinnamon better than cassia cinnamon?
Yes, Ceylon cinnamon is considered superior in flavor and quality compared to the more common cassia cinnamon. It has a more complex, citrusy flavor while cassia cinnamon has a harsher, one-note taste.
What's the difference between Ceylon and regular cinnamon?
Ceylon cinnamon comes from Sri Lanka and is known as "true" cinnamon. Regular cinnamon usually refers to the cheaper cassia cinnamon which has a stronger, more pungent flavor.
Where can I buy Ceylon cinnamon powder?
Ceylon cinnamon powder can be found at well-stocked grocery stores, health food stores, ethnic markets and online spice retailers. Buying directly from a reputable spice company will provide the freshest, purest Ceylon cinnamon powder.
How do I know if cinnamon powder is fresh?
Check that the powder has a robust aroma and appears light brown in color. If the cinnamon powder smells musty or is very dark in color, it may be old and lose some of its flavor.
Should I grind my own cinnamon sticks?
Yes, grinding small batches of Ceylon cinnamon sticks as needed will provide the most flavor and aroma. Use an electric spice grinder or clean coffee grinder to grind quills into a fine powder.
How do I substitute Ceylon for cassia cinnamon?
Since Ceylon cinnamon has a more delicate, complex flavor, use about 10-15% less Ceylon cinnamon powder in recipes calling for cassia cinnamon.
What are the health benefits of Ceylon cinnamon?
Studies show Ceylon cinnamon may help lower blood sugar, reduce inflammation, protect against heart disease, and provide antioxidants. Always consult your doctor before using cinnamon supplements for health purposes.
Conclusion
Ceylon cinnamon is considered the finest quality cinnamon variety available. When buying Ceylon cinnamon powder, choose a reputable brand that sources 100% pure cinnamon from Sri Lanka.
Look for organic, sustainably sourced cinnamon whenever possible to get superior flavor and aroma. Check that the powder has a light tan color and uniform fine texture without any fillers or additives.
Grinding small batches of whole cinnamon quills will provide the freshest taste. With its sweet, citrusy notes and subtle spicy warmth, high-quality Ceylon cinnamon powder is a versatile spice that can elevate both sweet and savory recipes.