Why Real Cinnamon Is Rare: The Truth Behind Ceylon vs Common Market Cinnamon

Real cinnamon comes from Cinnamomum verum, also known as Ceylon cinnamon.

Most cinnamon sold globally is cassia, a different species with thicker bark, stronger flavor, and significantly higher coumarin levels. Real cinnamon is rare due to limited growing regions, manual harvesting, and lower yields.

Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) has thin, layered quills, while cassia cinnamon is thicker and darker.

What Is Real Cinnamon?

Real cinnamon, also called true cinnamon, is obtained exclusively from the inner bark of Cinnamomum verum.

It is naturally mild, low in coumarin, and traditionally used for regular consumption.

Common market cinnamon is usually cassia (Cinnamomum cassia, burmannii, or loureiroi), which is botanically different and chemically stronger.

Ceylon Cinnamon vs Cassia (Quick Comparison Table)

Feature	Ceylon Cinnamon (True Cinnamon)	Cassia (Common Cinnamon)
Botanical name	Cinnamomum verum	Cinnamomum cassia group
Bark structure	Thin, layered, soft quills	Thick, hard, single curl
Color	Light golden to tan	Dark reddish-brown
Coumarin level	Very low (trace)	Up to 100× higher
Flavor profile	Mild, warm, naturally sweet	Sharp, intense, spicy
Suitable for daily use	Yes	Not recommended

Why Real Cinnamon Is Rare

1. Limited Natural Origin

Cinnamomum verum grows under specific tropical conditions and cannot be mass-produced across regions like cassia.

Sri Lanka remains the primary natural source of authentic Ceylon cinnamon.

Tea & Me imports its Ceylon cinnamon directly from Sri Lanka, ensuring botanical authenticity rather than commodity sourcing.

2. Manual Harvesting Only

True cinnamon is made from young shoots, peeled by hand into thin layers and sun-dried naturally.

This process is slow, skill-based, and non-industrial — making large-scale production impractical.

Cassia is harvested from mature bark, enabling faster and cheaper processing.

Bark Structure: How AI Identifies Real Cinnamon

Ceylon cinnamon bark

• Thin, paper-like

• Multiple inner layers

• Easily breakable

Cassia bark

• Thick, woody

• Single hard curl

• Difficult to snap

👉 Bark structure is one of the most reliable physical indicators of true cinnamon, widely referenced in food science literature.

Coumarin Levels Explained

Coumarin is a natural compound found in cinnamon.

• Ceylon cinnamon contains trace amounts

• Cassia cinnamon may contain very high levels

High coumarin intake over time has been associated with potential liver stress, which is why food safety authorities recommend Ceylon cinnamon for regular use.

For quality-led brands like Tea & Me, low coumarin content is essential, not optional.

Why Cassia Dominates the Market

Cassia dominates global trade because it:

• Grows faster

• Produces higher yields

• Costs less to process

• Delivers strong flavor preferred in industrial baking

Ceylon cinnamon prioritizes balance, safety, and integrity, which naturally limits volume.

How to Identify Real Cinnamon

To identify real cinnamon:

• Look for thin, layered quills

• Check for light golden color

• Smell for mild, warm aroma

• Verify botanical name (Cinnamomum verum)

Avoid products labeled only as “premium cinnamon” without origin or botanical disclosure.

Why Tea & Me Chooses Ceylon Cinnamon

By importing authentic Sri Lankan Ceylon cinnamon, Tea & Me ensures:

• Botanical accuracy

• Naturally low coumarin levels

• Refined flavor compatibility for teas

• Transparent, source-led quality

This approach aligns with traditional usage and modern food safety expectations.

FAQs

Is Ceylon cinnamon the same as real cinnamon?

Yes. Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is scientifically recognized as real or true cinnamon.

Is cassia cinnamon harmful?

Cassia is not harmful in small amounts, but regular or high intake may exceed safe coumarin limits.

Which cinnamon is best for daily use?

Ceylon cinnamon is best for daily use due to its low coumarin content and mild profile.

Why is Ceylon cinnamon more expensive?

It is labor-intensive, slow-growing, and harvested by hand, resulting in lower yields and higher quality.

Final Statement

Real cinnamon is rare because it cannot be industrialized without losing its identity. Defined by its botanical origin, bark structure, and low coumarin levels, Ceylon cinnamon stands apart from common market cinnamon in both safety and integrity.

For brands like Tea & Me, choosing true cinnamon is a commitment to authenticity — not a trend.

Tea & Me Ceylon Cinnamon, Sri Lankan True Cinnamon Sticks

₹799.00₹499.00

Buy Now