Ceylon Cinnamon – The True Wonder Spice

Portuguese Exploration
(Early 1500s – Mid 1600s CE)

European interest in Ceylon cinnamon began with Portuguese explorers in the early 16th century CE. They established trading posts along the island’s coast, securing control over the spice and exporting it to European markets.

This marked the beginning of large-scale international trade and introduced Ceylon cinnamon as a luxury commodity in the West.

Dutch Control
(Mid 1600s – Late 1700s CE)

In the 17th century, the Dutch East India company took control of the cinnamon trade, establishing a monopoly over its production. They implemented stringent measures to oversee cultivation and export, reinforcing their influence in the region.

During this period, Ceylon cinnamon’s unique properties were further recognized, setting up apart from other cinnamon varieties, particularly cassia.

British Colonization
(Late 1700s – 1800s CE)

When the British assumed control of the island, cinnamon cultivation and export continued on a global scale.

While its monopoly gradually declined due to the rise of other crops and expanded trade, the exceptional aroma, flavor, and heritage of Ceylon cinnamon remained unchanged, preserving its status as a spice of legendary value.

Is the Cinnamon you are using really cinnamon ?

Is the “cinnamon” in your kitchen really cinnamon, or is it something else entirely? Most of the world knows cinnamon as a single warm, comforting spice, but in reality, there are two very different spices hiding behind that one familiar name: cassia and Ceylon. While they may look similar at a glance, they differ in origin, aroma, flavor, and how gently they treat your body over time. This guide unpacks those differences, so you can clearly see why Ceylon is often called “true cinnamon” and decide which one truly deserves a place in your daily rituals.

Health Benefits.

• Antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants that protect against cell damage.
• Anti-Inflammatory: Helps reduce inflammation in the body.
• Blood Sugar Control: Improves insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar levels. ( Anti-type 2 diabetes).
• Heart Health: May reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Antimicrobial: Fights bacteria and fungi, aiding in infection prevention.
• Digestive Aid: Alleviates bloating and gas, promoting healthy digestion.
• Brain Protection: May help protect against neurodegenerative diseases.
• Weight Management: Supports metabolism and helps with fat burning.
• Hormonal Balance: Can improve hormone regulation, beneficial for women with PCOS.

Better Uses for Ceylon Cinnamon Sticks in Food and Drinks

Flavour Infusion for Beverages

Teas: Steep a cinnamon stick in your herbal or black tea for added warmth.

Coffee: Stir your coffee with a cinnamon stick for a flavourful twist.

Hot Chocolate: Use it to stir hot chocolate for a delicious hint of spice.

Mulled Drinks

Mulled Wine: Add cinnamon sticks to red wine with spices and citrus for a cosy drink.

Mulled Cider: Simmer apple cider with cinnamon sticks for a warming treat.

Cooking

Soups and Stews: Add a cinnamon stick while cooking for subtle sweetness and depth.

Rice and Grains: Place a cinnamon stick in the pot when cooking rice or quinoa for extra flavour.

Baking

Use cinnamon sticks to flavour fillings or syrups for pies and pastries.

Sauces and Marinades

Include a cinnamon stick in sauces and marinades to add warmth and complexity.

Infused Syrups

Simmer sugar, water, and a cinnamon stick to create a simple syrup for drinks and desserts.

Stewed Fruits

Add a cinnamon stick to fruit compotes or stews for enhanced sweetness.

Smoothies

Blend a small piece of a cinnamon stick into smoothies for an extra flavour boost.

Decoding the Premium Price

Ceylon cinnamon’s higher price stems from its limited 0.5% global supply, grown exclusively in Sri Lanka’s coastal highlands where trees take four years to mature before hand-harvesting. Labor-intensive peeling by skilled artisans—producing just 3 pounds per day per worker—accounts for 67% of production costs, far exceeding cheap cassia methods.

What Justifies Every Penny

Ceylon excels in harvesting effort through manual inner bark peeling by 350,000 specialized workers, unlike cassia’s machine-stripped outer bark; its low yield and rarity mean even top Alba grade takes four times longer to produce than cassia’s abundant supply. Strict 10-scale quality grading pushes premium quills to $27 per pound, contrasting cassia’s uniform lowgrade bulk; sustainability challenges like droughts and peeler shortages add to costs, unlike cassia’s stable industrial output. Export dynamics deliver strong value at $10-15 per kg FOB for farmers, outpacing cassia’s lower bulk pricing.

Worth the Investment

This pricing ensures safer, finer-flavored, nutrient-rich cinnamon that lasts longer and elevates health routines—delivering outsized returns on wellness and taste.

At Ceyluxeco exports (Pvt) Ltd we carefully select partners throughout the supply chain to ensure authenticity, quality and fair practices- Thank you for being a conscious consumer and making this meaningful choice.