What Are Ceylon Cinnamon Sticks?
Cinnamon is the dried inner bark of trees of the genus Cinnamomum. We offer two types. Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is known as true cinnamon and comes mainly from Sri Lanka, the island once called Ceylon. Vietnamese cinnamon (Cinnamomum loureiroi), also called Saigon cinnamon, is a type of cassia grown in the mountains of Vietnam.
Ceylon cinnamon sticks are made by hand. Skilled peelers shave off the paper-thin inner bark, roll the strips inside each other and let them dry into long, soft, light tan quills with many fine layers, like a cigar. They are fragile, easy to break or grind, and have a sweet, delicate, citrusy flavor.
Vietnamese cinnamon sticks are made from thicker bark that curls into a hard, single-layer roll. They are darker, with an intense, spicy-sweet flavor and the strongest aroma of any cinnamon.
Cinnamon sticks flavor coffee, chai, hot chocolate, mulled wine and cider, rice pudding, poached fruit, curries, tagines, pho broth and pickles. They can be ground for baking, and they make beautiful, fragrant holiday decorations and potpourri.
Our cinnamon sticks contain only dried cinnamon bark of the type you choose. They are sold by weight, from small packs to bulk.
How to Use Cinnamon Sticks
- Drinks: Add 1 stick to a pot of coffee, chai, mulled wine, cider or hot chocolate while it warms. Remove before serving.
- Cooking: Simmer a stick in rice, curries, stews, tagines, pho broth or poached fruit.
- Baking: Break and grind Ceylon quills in a spice grinder for fresh ground cinnamon.
- Decor: Tie bundles with ribbon or add to potpourri and wreaths.
Safety
Vietnamese cinnamon is a type of cassia and contains coumarin, so use it in moderation, especially if you have liver problems or eat cinnamon every day. Ceylon cinnamon is naturally low in coumarin. Keep out of reach of children.
Read our full guide: How to use Ceylon cinnamon sticks: step-by-step guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Ceylon and Vietnamese cinnamon?
Ceylon is true cinnamon with thin, soft, layered quills and a sweet, delicate flavor. Vietnamese cinnamon is a type of cassia with thick, hard sticks and a bold, spicy flavor.
Which cinnamon has less coumarin?
Ceylon cinnamon contains only traces of coumarin. Cassia types, including Vietnamese cinnamon, contain much more, so use them in moderation.
Can I grind cinnamon sticks?
Yes. Ceylon quills grind easily in a spice grinder. Vietnamese sticks are harder, so break them first.
How many times can I use a cinnamon stick?
A stick can often be rinsed, dried and reused 2 to 3 times in drinks.
How should I store cinnamon sticks?
Keep them in an airtight container away from heat and light.
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