Indigenous to Sri Lanka, Ceylon cinnamon is often referred to as "real cinnamon" or "true cinnamon". Ceylon Cinnamon’s bond to Sri Lanka is so deep that even the botanical name of the spice - Cinnamomum Zeylanicum is derived from the island's former name, Ceylon.

The flavor of Ceylon cinnamon is quite distinct from cassia cinnamon. Unlike the stronger, spicier cassia cinnamon, ceylon cinnamon has a much more subtle yet still complex flavor. This is also the preferred cinnamon throughout Mexico and Europe. Ceylon is the cinnamon that is usually called for in pickling, spiced peaches or pears and in the brewing of hot cocoa.

Cassia is the variety of cinnamon that is harvested throughout Southeast Asia and China. Cassia cinnamon is typically identified as Chinese cinnamon, Vietnamese cinnamon (also referred to as Saigon cinnamon) or Indonesian cinnamon. The subtler Ceylon cinnamon has a lower concentration of cinnamon oil (generally 1-2% by weight) than does Cassia cinnamon (typically 4-6% by weight).

Our organic Ceylon cinnamon is grown in Sri Lanka where the tropical climate and ample rain provides perfect growing conditions. The finest of the Ceylon cinnamons are grown in the coastal belt of the Negombo district, just north of Colombo. We also carry a non organic Ceylon Cinnamon.

Ceylon trees must be at least 3 years old before they can produce the right quality of cinnamon. Ceylon bark is harvested twice a year and always immediately after both of the two rainy seasons. As wet, rain-soaked bark is much easier to remove from these trees.

Cinnamon has some medicinal benefits as well. Dr. Richard Anderson, the lead scientist at the Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center has discovered that some cinnamon compounds may improve the body's ability to process insulin to improve blood glucose levels. For diabetics these findings hold great promise.

In dishes where there are not a great deal of powerful flavors competing, Ceylon cinnamon is generally the preferred cinnamon of choice. Ceylon is the choice of discerning cooks in dishes like custard, cinnamon ice cream, dessert syrups, Dutch pears, steamed pudding and stewed rhubarb.

Ceylon cinnamon goes well with fruits and vegetables such as apples, apricots, blueberries, carrots, cherries, onions, oranges and spinach.

Ceylon also partners well with the spices allspice, black pepper, cardamom, cloves and ginger.

If you're a true fan of cinnamon then you may also be interested in our wide selection of cinnamon powder that includes Organic Vietnamese cinnamon, Organic Korintje cinnamon (an Indonesian cassia), Chinese Cinnamon and non organic Korintje cinnamon.

You'll also find a nice selection of cinnamon sticks - Indonesian cinnamon sticks (2-3/4" long), Ceylon cinnamon sticks (3" long), Organic Indonesian cinnamon sticks (2-3/4" long) and Indonesian cinnamon sticks (10" long).