How can we identify cassia versus Ceylon cinnamon powders?

Because apart from any packaging or labeling, there is no way to tell if the cinnamon powder has been made from the Ceylon cinnamon or the Cassia cinnamon. Most bottles of cinnamon we buy (including the bottle I currently have in my kitchen) do not indicate the type of cinnamon tree the cinnamon is sourced from. read more

Ceylon cinnamon tends to be tan in color while cassia tends to be reddish. But the red can be bleached and sometimes is. The principal volatile oils are the same in both, so they are pretty much interchangeable. read more

Observe the color. Look for a darker reddish brown color in cassia, as compared to a lighter brown in the Ceylon cinnamon. Taste the cinnamon, if you can. Cassia cinnamon has a certain hotness or spiciness, whereas Ceylon cinnamon will have a more delicate taste. read more

Cassia Cinnamon is its more prevalent form and the one we normally use in a household is cassia cinnamon. Ceylon Cinnamon The original producer of this type of Cinnamon is Sri Lanka, also known as Ceylon (so the name, Ceylon Cinnamon). read more