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True Cinnamon
True Cinnamon
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Single Ingredient

True Cinnamon

SweetFloralMalty

The mild and exotic flavor of this varietal only hints at the cassia cinnamon to which we are more accustomed. Don't jump to the conclusion that "true" means better or stronger, it is a botanical distinction of this unique variety.

Mild and complex, True Cinnamon lends a delightful flavor that is not as "hot" as cassia-cinnamon. Use true cinnamon for a mellow flavor on its own or in combination with cassia for heavenly flavors in baked goods. Grind only what you need for each use because it loses flavor quickly.

Why World Spice?

  • Vegan, gluten-free, and filler-free
  • Love it or we'll replace it
  • Orders over $59 ship free
  • Produced in small batches, shortly before shipping
Filler-FreeVeganGluten-FreeEstablished 1995Small Batch

Spice 101

True cinnamon, or Cinnamomum verum, is a mild and exotic spice that stands apart from the more common cassia cinnamon. It's not about being better or stronger; it's about the botanical uniqueness that defines this variety. Known for its delicate and floral notes, true cinnamon is less "hot" and more complex in flavor compared to its cassia counterpart. In Mexican cuisine, it is commonly used in braises, soups, and moles.

True cinnamon, also known as Ceylon cinnamon, hails from Sri Lanka and the coastal areas of India. It has a long and rich history dating back to ancient times when it was highly prized in the spice trade. This cinnamon was so valued that it was considered a gift fit for monarchs and even gods. It was a major player in the spice trade that connected the East with Europe, often fetching prices that were at times worth more than gold.

In contrast to its widespread use in Sri Lanka and India, true cinnamon also carved a niche in Mexican cuisine. Its subtle, sweet flavor makes it a preferred choice in many traditional Mexican dishes, showing the versatility and adaptation of this spice across different cultures and culinary landscapes.

We love true cinnamon for its subtle yet complex flavor profile. Unlike the more common cassia cinnamon, true cinnamon offers a gentler heat, giving each dish a hint of floral sweetness that is simply irresistible.

Did you know that true cinnamon is sometimes called "sweet cinnamon"? Its gentle flavor is ideal for fine pastries and desserts.

Cook with it

Recipes with True Cinnamon

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Customer Reviews

Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 7 reviews.

The order arrived in good time and in good shape. I haven’t used it yet I’m planning to use it over the next week. It looks like it’s going to be wonderful I’ll let you know.

True Cinnamon

World Spice is the only place I can get true cinnamon. I grind it myself just before I use it and sometimes pair it with either Indonesian or Vietnamese ground cinnamon. It is not like the cinnamon sticks in stores - these sticks are almost paper thin layers and very easy to grind with the microplane spice mill. It is not as strong as the other cinnamons, but has a broader range of flavor - I think because the other cinnamons have a very strong single note that overpowers anything else. The other cinnamons are great - and I use them all the time but this is great when using a single spice - like snickerdoodle or spiced pecans.

True Cinnamon

I had never tried "true" cinnamon until a friend had me try hers. It was completely different than what I thought was cinnamon. I am not knocking the other cinnamons this just hits different! It is floral and sweet, just beyond good! I like to buy it whole but it grinds so much faster in my spice grinder than the stronger and harder types. I put it on everything but my favorite is on oatmeal in the morning or in baked goods.

True Cinnamon

Store owner replied: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you’ve discovered the unique qualities of our true cinnamon. We appreciate your feedback on how well it grinds and enhances your dishes. So happy you love this bark! LOVE YOU!

The only; the best! I'm not much of a baker, so I don't use it for that; I love Middle East flavors and that's where it goes. I can really taste the difference.

True Cinnamon

Store owner replied: True cinnamon is the best for sweet or savory applications. Thank you for sharing how you're using it :)

Terrific! Wonderful and fresh spices, handled and packed with care

True Cinnamon

Fantastic! Love the cinnamon!!!

True Cinnamon

Excellent! Always hated cinnamon till I discovered True Cinnamon. All the warmthl without the bite.

True Cinnamon

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Spice tips

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Since 1995 we've sourced and blended the finest flavors we can find. Nearly all of our spices are available whole or ground, and we grind in small batches shortly before shipping.

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