When you buy cinnamon, you can sometimes buy something different without even knowing it - and it happens regularly!
It's time to learn about cassia - a spice that often causes lots of mistakes, because of how similar it is to cinnamon.
Cinnamon and cassia are spices that might taste similar, but they come from different parts of trees and have some differences.
Let's talk about cinnamon
The spice we usually call cinnamon comes from the inner bark of a tree called Cinnamomum verum or Ceylon cinnamon tree.
It has a mild, sweet flavor and is often used in baking and desserts. This is the "true" or "real" cinnamon.
Now, let's talk about cassia
Cassia, on the other hand, comes from the bark of a tree called Cinnamomum cassia.
It has a stronger, spicier taste compared to cinnamon. Cassia is what you'll often find labeled as "cinnamon" in most grocery stores.
So how are they different?
The main difference between them is the type of tree they come from and the taste.
Cassia is more common and less expensive, while true cinnamon is considered to have a superior flavor but is rarer and pricier.
So, when you use cinnamon in recipes, it's likely cassia, unless it specifically says "Ceylon cinnamon." Both are delicious, but they can give your dishes slightly different flavors.
