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🌍 Introduction: One Spice, Two Identities
Dalchini – a word known in every Indian kitchen, and cinnamon – a global superfood in teas, desserts, and even supplements. But what if most people are using the wrong cinnamon?
Yes, the real cinnamon (Ceylon) and the fake cinnamon (Cassia) are two completely different plants, with different health impacts, taste, and even toxicity.
🍂 Part 1: What is Cinnamon?
✅ Botanical Identity of True Cinnamon
Name: Cinnamomum verum
Also Known As: Ceylon Cinnamon, True Cinnamon
Origin: Native to Sri Lanka, Southern India, and parts of Southeast Asia
Bark Texture: Soft, thin, crumbly layers (like rolled paper scrolls)
Taste: Sweet, mild, floral, less spicy
Color: Light tan or golden brown
Coumarin Level: Negligible (safe for daily consumption)
Cost: High
💡 Uses of True Cinnamon
Premium spice blends
Health teas (especially for diabetes & weight loss)
Ayurvedic formulations
Beauty & skincare products
High-end bakery & desserts
🚫 What is Fake Cinnamon? Cassia Explained
❌ Cassia – The Imposter Dalchini
Botanical Name: Cinnamomum cassia / Cinnamomum aromaticum
Also Known As: Chinese Cinnamon, Saigon Cinnamon, Indonesian Cinnamon
Origin: China, Vietnam, Indonesia
Bark Texture: Hard, thick, coarse (like tree bark)
Taste: Sharp, spicy, bitter
Color: Dark brown to reddish
Coumarin Content: Very high (toxic in large amounts)
Cost: Very cheap
⚠️ Health Risks of Cassia
High in Coumarin (a blood thinner & liver-damaging compound)
May cause liver damage if consumed daily
Banned in high doses in Germany & Europe
Unsafe for long-term use in diabetics or heart patients
🔬 Scientific Fact: Coumarin Comparison
Type Coumarin per kg Risk Level
Ceylon Cinnamon 0.0004% Safe
Cassia Cinnamon 5–8% (12,500x more) High Risk
WHO safe limit: Just 0.1 mg per kg of body weight daily!
📸 Identification in Your Kitchen
Feature Ceylon (True) Cassia (Fake)
Bark Shape Thin scrolls, rolled Thick, single curl
Break Test Crumbly & fragile Hard & tough
Color Light tan Dark reddish brown
Taste Sweet & delicate Spicy & harsh
Price/kg ₹2000–4000+ ₹300–600
🍀 Part 2: Health Benefits – Cinnamon (Ceylon) vs Cassia
✅ Ceylon Cinnamon – The Real Medicinal Spice
Ceylon cinnamon is not just a sweet aromatic spice — it’s one of the world’s most powerful natural medicines when used correctly.
🌿 1. Controls Blood Sugar Naturally
Improves insulin sensitivity
Reduces fasting blood sugar
Safe for diabetics (when taken in Ceylon form)
🫀 2. Promotes Heart Health
Lowers LDL (bad cholesterol)
Slightly increases HDL (good cholesterol)
Improves blood circulation naturally
🧠 3. Brain & Cognitive Boost
Contains cinnamaldehyde that may delay Alzheimer’s progression
Enhances focus and memory
Used in herbal formulas for brain fog and fatigue
🌸 4. Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant
Rich in polyphenols
Reduces internal swelling, joint pain, and fatigue
Helps skin glow & heal faster
🧪 5. Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antiviral
Kills bad bacteria in the gut
Prevents fungal infections like candida
Boosts immunity during seasonal flu
💡 Ceylon is gentle and safe for daily long-term use (as tea, powder, capsule).
❌ Cassia – Strong But Risky
While cassia does contain some similar properties, the high Coumarin content makes it risky for regular medicinal use.
⚠️ Health Warnings of Cassia
Long-term use may damage liver
Not safe for children or pregnant women
Should not be used by people with blood pressure or heart conditions without medical advice
❗ It’s best to avoid Cassia in supplements or as daily tea.
🍽️ Part 3: Culinary Uses – Which Cinnamon for What?
✅ Ceylon Cinnamon – Ideal for:
Apple pies, cakes, and bakery items
Spiced health teas
Smoothies and health drinks
Indian desserts like kheer and halwa
Chai blends and Ayurvedic infusions
❌ Cassia – Often Used in:
Cheap masala mixes
Low-cost bakery products
Commercial spice powders
Restaurant curries
⚠️ Most Indian kitchens unknowingly use Cassia, not realizing its health risks.
🛒 Part 4: How to Buy the Real One?
🔍 1. Look at the Bark
Ceylon is thin, multiple layers, crumbly
Cassia is thick, single layer, hard
🏷️ 2. Check the Label
Look for “Cinnamomum Verum” or “True Cinnamon”
Avoid brands that say “Cassia” or “Chinese cinnamon”
🛍️ 3. Trusted Brands (India & Global)
Organic India – Offers certified Ceylon
True Ceylon Spices (Sri Lanka) – Ships globally
Terrasoul (USA) – Organic & pure
Vahdam India – Premium quality Ceylon cinnamon sticks
🌱 Part 5: Farming of Cinnamon vs Cassia
🌾 Ceylon Cinnamon Farming
Grown in Sri Lanka, India (Kerala, Tamil Nadu)
Needs tropical climate (rainy + warm)
Harvested from thin bark strips every 2 years
Labour-intensive but high value crop
🌿 Cassia Farming
Mostly grown in China, Indonesia, Vietnam
Fast-growing tree with thick bark
Easy to harvest and dry
Mass-produced for export
🌐 Part 6: Global Trade, Price & Export
📈 Global Market Data
Type Price per Kg (Avg) Major Exporters Demand
Ceylon $12 – $25+ Sri Lanka, India Premium health
Cassia $2 – $4 China, Indonesia Commercial/cheap
India is one of the largest importers of Cassia, even though we grow real cinnamon!
Real Ceylon cinnamon is exported to the USA, Germany, Japan, and wellness companies.
🧠 Part 7: Myths & Truths
Myth Truth
All cinnamon is good for health Only Ceylon cinnamon is safe for daily health use
Cassia is stronger, so it’s better Cassia is harsh & toxic in large amounts
You can’t tell them apart You can identify by color, texture, and aroma
Cassia is Indian cinnamon No – True Indian cinnamon grows in South India (Kerala)
📣 Part 8: Awareness for the World
Cinnamon is a blessing of nature – but using the wrong type can be harmful. As bloggers, farmers, health lovers, and citizens, we must:
Promote the use of true cinnamon (Ceylon)
Educate others about the risks of Cassia
Support farmers growing organic cinnamon
Ask brands to label the cinnamon type clearly
🔚 Final Thoughts
Ceylon cinnamon is not just a spice, it’s a medicine from nature. Cassia, though widely available, is a health risk when consumed regularly.
So next time you sprinkle dalchini on your chai, dessert, or kheer — make sure it’s the real one.
✍️Real Neel
Founder-Farming Writers