How to recognize a good Cinnamon?
Origin
Fine, sweet, and subtle, the "Ceylon Cinnamon" also known as True Cinnamon, is the finest cinnamon across the Seven Seas. Derived from the plant Cinnamomum zeylancium, it is only native to the central mountains of Sri Lanka ( formerly known as Ceylon), and the name "Ceylon Cinnamon" indicates not only its geographical origin but also its botanical name (Cinnamomum verum zeylanicum).
There are three main species of Cinnamomum used as cinnamon spices on the market, and the flavors vary accordingly.
Unlike the more commonly found cassia cinnamon, originally from China; Ceylon Cinnamon is more exquisite with floral notes almost of roses and hints of orange and lemon. It is easily recognized by its structure: Ceylon Cinnamon sticks are easily crumbly, whereas broken cassia cinnamon is not.
Ceylon Cinnamon is very mild, smooth, and sweeter than cassia cinnamon. Cassia and Saigon cinnamon are relatively cheaper than true cinnamon and contain the highest levels of coumarin, a potential liver toxin.
Low levels of Coumarin in Ceylon cinnamon set it apart from other cinnamon types. Large levels of coumarin are harmful to human health and can lead to severe liver damage.
| Category | Coumarin Content |
|---|---|
| Ceylon Cinnamon | 0.017 g / kg |
| Cassia Cinnamon | 0.31 g / kg |
| Saigon Cinnamon | 6.97 g / kg |
| Padang Cassia | 2.15 g / kg |
Authentication of the Ceylon Cinnamon
Ceylon Cinnamon products come from estates managed by Maturata Plantations which is one of the largest plantation companies in Sri Lanka with a reputation for producing the finest Ceylon Cinnamon products for global markets. All our Ceylon Cinnamon products are handpicked and hand-processed using traditional tools and methods while packaging and final processing with state-of-the-art facilities. This ensures that our pure cinnamon cannot be mixed with Saigon cinnamon or cassia from any other part of the world.
Grading
The Ceylon cinnamon sticks are graded by the diameter of the sticks (the smaller the diameter the higher the grade). In our facility, the good skin sticks are offered as “Select” grade. For example, we sell C-5 grade as two grades C-5 (regular skins) and C-5 Select (smooth Skins). The grading system of the Ceylon cinnamon sticks is based on the stick diameter and the appearance of the bark. Based on The diameter of the stick, there are 4 main grades: ALBA, C, M, and H.
| Grade | Diameter | Sub-Grades |
|---|---|---|
| ALBA | 6-7 mm | ALBA |
| C | 7-16 mm | C-5 Special, C-5, C-4 |
| M | 16-19 mm | M-5, M-4, M-3 |
| H | >19mm | H-5, H-4 |
The sticks with smoother "skins” and more no of layers in the given diameter have a higher value. ALBA, C-5 Special, and C-5 are considered as high-grade.
Virtue & Benefits
Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices that the Egyptians used to embalm the body. There are also written traces of it in the New Testament which mentions it as more precious than gold.
The health benefits of cinnamon are numerous: it contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective properties. Ceylon cinnamon is used to cure chronic diseases like arthritis, prevent damaging cells, and treat bacterial and fungi infections and Alzheimer’s diseases.
Present in many dishes, both savory and sweet, Ceylon Cinnamon is used in pastries, white meats, compotes, pies, fruits, and drinks. It is part of the base of many spice blends. You can also use whole cinnamon sticks directly for your infusions, stews, and mulled wine.
Our Products
We guarantee the quality, freshness, and genuineness of our premium Ceylon Cinnamon sticks which come in the following varieties:
Cinnamon Quills Alba/C5/C5 Special: - Made from the outer bark of the Ceylon Cinnamon tree Cinnamon Quills are handmade, soft brown layers of cinnamon folded like a cigar. Sweet in flavor and aroma Ceylon Cinnamon Quills are soft and fragile and easy to break.
Cinnamon Powder: Ceylon Cinnamon powder is derived from the dried inner bark of the Ceylon Cinnamon tree. It has a natural fragrance and sweet flavor. It contains substantially less Coumarin compared to other types of cinnamon. It is used in desserts, beverages, and baked goods, as well as a preservative in meat and an exfoliant in herbal cosmetic products.
Quality Assurance
Quality is our top priority, and we ensure a rigorous quality control process at every stage of our sourcing process. Our state-of-the-art production facility is equipped with the latest technology and machinery, and our highly trained and experienced professionals oversee the entire production process, from raw material sourcing to final packaging.