Even with the amount of cinnamon in cooking, the taste is not noticeable. But what is mixed with cinnamon? It is normal for householders to have such thoughts. Cinnamon has a prominent place in the Bengali kitchen. Be it polao, biryani, meat broth, or pies, chai, sandesh — cinnamon is used to make a variety of items. But what can be bought in the market in the name of cinnamon, there is no such thing as genuine (Real or Fake Cinnamon?).
When the cinnamon dispute, many people jokingly say that the shopkeeper has cut the bark of another tree! Actually, there are two types of cinnamon in the market. Their clothing names are Ceylon and Cassia respectively. We know Ceylon cinnamon as 'real cinnamon'. The two types of cinnamon differ in color, smell, taste, bark structure.
Here are a few simple tests to know if the one brought to your home is genuine or not.
1. If you buy whole cinnamon, look for its color first. Ceylon cinnamon is light reddish-brown in color. Cassia, on the other hand, is comparatively darker reddish-brown. However, the variety of cinnamon cannot be confirmed just by looking at the color. Color may vary slightly due to plant type, drying method and storage.
2. Bark structure is most important in identifying whole cinnamon. A Ceylon cinnamon stick looks like a multi-layered roll from the ground up. Cassia bark, on the other hand, is usually much thicker and tougher, with a thin layer of wear. So if you buy whole cinnamon from the market, you should see the inner part first.
3. Ceylon cinnamon sticks are thin, easily broken by hand pressure. Cassia sticks are usually thick and hard. The difference in the structure of two types of sticks can be understood when held in hand.
4. The aroma of Ceylon cinnamon is light and sweet. The smell of cassia is relatively strong, pungent and harsh. However, it goes without saying that cassia leaves a distinct smell when cooked. There is also a considerable difference in the taste of the two types of cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon has a sweet taste. The taste of cassia is astringent and slightly bitter or astringent.
5. If you buy packaged cinnamon instead of whole, then Look for 'Ceylon Cinnamon' or 'Cinnamomum Veram' written on the packet. Be more careful especially when buying ground cinnamon.
One thing is important to be clear here — cassia is not fake cinnamon. Cassia has also been used in cooking for many years, but it is quite different from the Bengali or Indian flavor.