The Power of Ceylon Cinnamon

With its distinctive deep, warming flavor and velvety texture, cinnamon has become one of the world’s most popular spices, used in both sweet and savory dishes. Native to Sri Lanka and other tropical regions, its rich history dates back to ancient times. Cinnamon was used in embalming, perfumes and medicines, as well as being a culinary treasure, and thus it was sought after and traded along ancient routes.

Made from the inner bark of trees, Cinnamon (Cinnamomum) is a spice with a distinct fragrance and flavor derived from the bark’s oily part, which is very high in the compound cinnamaldehyde, a naturally occurring flavonoid which research has shown to offer numerous health benefits.

Not all cinnamon is created equal. There are two widely used varieties of cinnamon: Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) and cinnamon cassia. Cassia cinnamon includes three main types or species: Cinnamomum burmannii (includes Indonesian cinnamon, Korintje cinnamon and Padang cassia), Cinnamomum cassia (Chinese cinnamon) and Cinnamomum loureiroi (Saigon cinnamon, royal cinnamon and Vietnamese cinnamon). 

Cassia cinnamon is the most common variety today and what people generally refer to as cinnamon. Compared to Ceylon cinnamon, cassia cinnamon is more affordable and readily available at most any market. You’ll easily recognize its reddish-brown color and pronounced spicy-warm flavor, which can take a turn towards biting or bitter when overused. The cassia variety contains significant amounts of a natural compound called coumarin, considered to be harmful in very large doses.

Native to Sri Lanka and southern parts of India, Ceylon cinnamon is frequently referred to as “true” cinnamon. Ceylon Cinnamon is less common and has long been prized as a cooking spice, compared to its less expensive cousins in the cassia family. With its mild, sweetish flavor and delicate floral-citrusy aroma, it is lighter in hue and pairs extremely well with desserts, tea and coffee, as well as savory dishes. 

Though both cassia and Ceylon are healthy and delicious, because Ceylon cinnamon contains only trace amounts of coumarin, it is considered the healthier variety.

While cinnamon has been used medicinally since ancient times, modern researchers have identified its highly potent polyphenol antioxidants, including cinnamaldehyde, which is thought to be responsible for most of cinnamon’s health benefits. Additional compounds continue to be studied as to their potential contributions to health and well-being. Other evidence-based ways cinnamon can support well-being: 

•   May help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

•   Supports lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, which can lower the risk of heart disease.

•   Anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce pain and swelling, and help your body respond to infections and repair tissue damage.

•   Antibacterial and anti-fungal properties help fight infections.

Taking a daily supplement is an easy way to help support your optimal well-being. We offer selectively sourced Ceylon cinnamon supplements direct from Sri Lanka's cinnamomum verum, or the true cinnamon tree. Vegetable-based capsules provide the option for you to simply break open and sprinkle on top your favorite food or drink or take as a veggie capsule in a rush. *

It’s important to know and trust your cinnamon source. Cinnamon harvesting can have a devastating impact on the environment if not done sustainably. Massive cultivation and clear-cutting of cinnamon trees to harvest bark often leads to deforestation and habitat loss; such methods are also often associated with poor living conditions for workers and their families. 

Frontier Co-op is dedicated to ensuring the long-term sustainability of our cinnamon supply chain through investments in our small-holder farmer partners, centering on their needs. This helps ensure resiliency in the face of challenges like climate change, climate-related natural disasters, and the ever-evolving geopolitical landscape. Our efforts ultimately support stability within those communities. 

We were the first spice company in the U.S. to offer Fair Trade certified spices to the market. Regenerative organic farming expands upon the best practices of Fair Trade and organic approaches by helping rehabilitate soil, respecting animal welfare, and improving the lives of farmers and their families. 

If you want true cinnamon taste, our organic, ground Ceylon cinnamon delivers in that regard, too! It’s spicy in the true sense, but the flavor is mild and delicate. Comfortingly warm, not hot. Fruity, almost apple-cinnamon-like, floral and nectar-like, but only lightly sweet. It's that complex. Its aroma is equally distinctive, with hints of floral and citrus complementing the warm-spicy notes. No GMOs. No ETO (considered carcinogenic by the EPA). Not irradiated. Certified Organic by QAI. Kosher Certified by KSA. So good, it was voted "BEST" Ceylon Cinnamon by Epicurious in 2018.

When you purchase our cinnamon, you can trust that you’re getting premium-quality safe, clean and delicious spice, as well as supporting our efforts towards securing a healthier planet and a better life for all people.

A common misconception about Ceylon cinnamon is that it should be relegated to baked goods and drinks. While it’s true that the subtle flavor of Ceylon cinnamon pairs well with flavors, like vanilla, maple, or honey in simple baked goods, it also plays well in savory dishes, where a hint of warmth is needed. For instance, consider these additional uses:

•   Start by adding a quarter teaspoon per quart of marinara or spaghetti sauce; add more to your taste after allowing to simmer a bit.

•   Sprinkle lightly on roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, or winter squash.

•   Add to a beef or lamb stew, or any dish that also contains cumin, paprika, or ginger.

•   Pair with savory dishes that also contain red wine, onions, garlic and/or tomatoes.

•   Sprinkle under chicken skin and inside before roasting, with other spices like salt, pepper, garlic and lemon powder.

•   Add several dashes to your curries, rice and lentil dishes.

•   Add a Frontier Co-op® Regenerative Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Stick to a pot of hearty soup or stew. Taste frequently throughout the cooking process and remove when the desired depth and warmth have been achieved.

Cook them from scratch for the heartiest flavor. These hearty, warming beans can be enjoyed on their own or served in a burrito, tortilla, with eggs on a tostada, or with rice dishes. Makes about 8 servings.

Ingredients

1 lb. dried organic pinto beans

8 cups low-sodium vegetable stock, or use our easy Vegetable Broth Powder 

1 large yellow onion, minced

3-4 large cloves of fresh garlic, minced

1 cup fresh cilantro, or 1 teaspoon dried coriander

1 teaspoon dried ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon

2 teaspoons chili powder

14 ounces of diced, very ripe fresh tomato (or canned)

1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced

1 teaspoon adobo seasoning

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black peppercorns

Sea Salt and more Ceylon cinnamon to taste, before serving

Optional garnishes: lime or lemon wedges, fresh grated cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro

Directions

1.     Rinse and inspect beans, discarding any debris or damaged beans. Soak them in the broth for 2 hours in a sturdy pot, such as a Dutch oven. Cover the pot while soaking.

2.     Do not drain the beans! Turn the heat to high and bring them to a boil in the broth they soaked in. Stir occasionally, and when cooked through, reduce heat so your beans simmer.

3.     Now you can add your onion and garlic. Simmer for 1.5 hours, with the lid partially on, yet allowing some moisture to escape.

4.     Stir in all the remaining ingredients and simmer, uncovered, for another 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.

5.     When beans are soft, season with salt and more pepper to taste, serve with optional garnishes — and enjoy!

Like cinnamon, cocoa and chia seeds come with a range of health benefits. Nutrient and fiber-packed, this recipe brings the trio of superfoods together to help support your optimal well-being. Makes 3-4 servings.

Ingredients

2 cups of whole milk or almond, oat or other plant-based milk

2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon unsweetened organic cocoa powder

1 tablespoon Ceylon cinnamon powder

1 tbsp of pure vanilla extract, or vanilla bean paste

1/3 cup organic chia seeds

Optional garnishes: Fresh berries, shaved dark chocolate, drizzle of maple syrup, or a small dollop of fresh whipped cream (why not?!)

Directions

1.     In a mixing bowl, combine the cocoa and Ceylon cinnamon powder with the almond milk and yogurt.

2.     Add milk, yogurt, cocoa and cinnamon; whisk until well combined and frothy.

3.     Add vanilla and chia seeds and stir until well combined.

4.     Cover bowl and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours, stirring after 2 to 3 hours to redistribute chia seeds that may have fell to the bottom.

5.     Enjoy your pudding with an optional garnish — or two!