Ceylon cinnamon is considered to be the most delicate among the major species of cinnamon. Its flavor is more subdued, less bitter, and has a sweet finish. It has a sweet aromatic smell. Whereas, cassia shares a strong, spicy-sweet flavor, and aroma. Its flavor is extremely bitter when compared to true cinnamon. It produces a burning aftertaste once consumed.
Cassia cinnamon is rolled to the center to make scrolls that have a thickness of 1.5mm. When dried, it forms a double curl and a small bit of a straight bark. Its other long edge spirals in the opposite direction.Cassia cinnamon usually occurs wild in the mountains of Southern China. With the increasing demand for an affordable variety of cinnamon, Chinese farmers now cultivate spice in Guangxi and Guangdong provinces.
Tau is a substance that builds up in the brain. This can lead to Alzheimer’s disease. Both Ceylon cinnamon and cassia cinnamon contain bioactive compounds that block the formation of this substance in the brain. This is an advantage shared by both varieties. However, cassia cinnamon consumption can sometimes end up with bad news. Consuming large amounts of the variety is considered to be unsafe due to its high composition of coumarin . Topical application of cassia on the skin might also lead to allergic skin reactions. Therefore, both these types of cinnamon are healthy, but Ceylon cinnamon can be considered as a healthier choice.
The difference between Ceylon and Cassia Cinnamon can be summarized as below
| Ceylon Cinnamon | Cassia Cinnamon | |
| Color | Light brown | Reddish dark brown |
| Formation | Several layers of fold like a cigar | One inward fold with an empty cavity |
| Texture | Soft and fragile. Easy to break | Hard and rough. Difficult to break |
| Flavor & Aroma | Sweet flavour. Soft aroma | Pungent & zesty flavor. Strong aroma |
| Composition | 0.004% of Coumarin | 5% of Coumarin |
| Use | Safe for prolonged use. Has antioxidant and antimicrobial qualities | Safe for prolonged use. Has antioxidant and antimicrobial qualities |
| Origin | Sri Lanka | China, India, Vietnam, Indonesia |
| Availability | Expensive. Used in the EU, Western Asia, Oceania | Low priced. Used in Canada and the USA |
It is considered Ceylon Cinnamon and honey can help with weight loss, though they may have an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effec,t and or generations, cinnamon has been prized for its health properties.
In particular, it’s been claimed to benefit blood sugar control, which is important for people with diabetes.
A review of 16 previous studies on diabetes treatment found promising results for Ceylon powder that was used as a supplement