True Cinnamon vs Cassia: How to Tell the Difference at Home

True Cinnamon vs Cassia: How to Tell the Difference at Home

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Much of the "dalchini" sold in India is cassia. Here's how to check what you have.

True cinnamon Cassia
Look Thin, papery, many layers rolled like a cigar Thick, hard, single curled layer
Break test Crumbles easily by hand Very hard to break
Colour Light tan-brown Darker reddish-brown
Taste Mild, sweet Strong, sharp

The 10-second break test: press a stick between your fingers. True cinnamon snaps and crumbles; cassia won't.

Which should you use? True cinnamon is lighter and sweeter – good for chai, desserts and biryani where you don't want a harsh taste.

Our dalchini at Wayanad Green Fresh is true cinnamon from Kerala, not cassia.

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