Ceylon Cinnamon Understanding Its Benefits For Wholesalers

Discover why Ceylon Cinnamon is becoming increasingly popular among wholesalers. Dive into our article to understand its health benefits, sourcing recommendations, and market opportunities. Perfect read for wholesalers aiming to expand their product offerings.

Brief history and overview of Ceylon cinnamon

Ceylon cinnamon, also known as “true cinnamon,” is a type of cinnamon that originates from Sri Lanka, once known as Ceylon, hence its name. Cinnamomum verum or Cinnamomum zeylanicum are its botanical names.

This cinnamon has a long history dating back to ancient civilizations. It was mentioned in Chinese writings as early as 2800 BC and was widely used in Ancient Egypt for its medicinal properties and as a flavoring for beverages. It was also used in the embalming process due to its preservation qualities.

Ceylon cinnamon has a subtle, sweet flavor compared to the more common Cassia cinnamon. It’s also considered superior due to its low levels of coumarin, a natural compound that can cause liver damage in large quantities. Today, it’s used worldwide in cooking and baking, as well as in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits.

Differentiation between Ceylon and other types of cinnamon

To know specifically about the differentiation between ceylon and other types of cinnamon, we should consider some aspects below: 

Different types of Ceylon cinnamon

There are different types of ceylon cinnamon in the market such as stick, powder, oil and split:

• Ceylon Cinnamon Sticks: These are the actual bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree, rolled into a stick form. Ceylon cinnamon sticks are delicate with a sweet, citrusy flavor and are often used in stews, curries, baking, and beverages.
• Ceylon Cinnamon Powder: This is Ceylon cinnamon that has been ground into a fine powder. It is often used as a spice in baking and cooking, and is said to have numerous health benefits. It has a milder, more complex flavor than common Cassia cinnamon.
• Ceylon Cinnamon Oil: This oil is derived from the leaves or bark of the Cinnamon tree through a process of steam distillation. It is often used in aromatherapy, as a massage oil, a food flavoring, or for its supposed health benefits.
• Ceylon Cinnamon Split: This is the bark of the cinnamon tree that has been dried and split, but not rolled, into sticks. It can be used like regular cinnamon sticks, or ground into powder. It’s often cheaper than the stick or powder forms. It has the same sweet, delicate flavor typical of Ceylon cinnamon.

Comparison ceylon cinnamon with cassia cinnamon

Ceylon Cinnamon and Cassia Cinnamon are two types of cinnamon spice.

• Taste: Ceylon Cinnamon has a mild, subtle sweet taste as it’s less spicy and aromatic. Cassia Cinnamon, on the other hand, has a stronger, more robust flavor which can be described as peppery or hot.
• Color & Texture: Ceylon Cinnamon is light brown with a fine texture, and its sticks are thin and crumbly. Cassia Cinnamon is darker, thicker, and its sticks are hard with a rough texture.
• Coumarin Content: This is probably the most important difference. Coumarin is a natural compound that can cause liver damage or cancer if consumed in large amounts. Cassia Cinnamon has a much higher coumarin content, about 1% of its makeup, while Ceylon contains only trace amounts (0.004%).
• Origin: Ceylon is primarily grown in Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon). Cassia (or Chinese) cinnamon mainly comes from China and Indonesia.
• Price: Ceylon cinnamon is more expensive because it’s less common and considered the “true” cinnamon, whereas Cassia is more common and less expensive.
• Use in Cooking: Because of its mild flavor, Ceylon cinnamon is used in more complex and delicate dishes, whereas the strong flavor of Cassia cinnamon makes it the preferred choice for heavy, spicy, and sweet dishes.

In terms of health benefits, both types have similar properties, like controlling blood sugar and fighting fungal and bacterial infections. However, because of the high coumarin content, it’s safer to consume Ceylon cinnamon regularly.

Health Benefits of Ceylon Cinnamon

Ceylon cinnamon, also known as “true” cinnamon, carries several health benefits:

• Blood Sugar Control: It can help to reduce blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity, which could be beneficial for managing type 2 diabetes.
• Antioxidant Properties: Ceylon cinnamon is rich in antioxidants that help protect the body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
• Anti-Inflammatory: It has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
• Heart Health: Some studies suggest that it can reduce levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, while maintaining levels of HDL (the “good”) cholesterol.
• Neurological Benefits: Certain compounds in this spice may prevent neurodegenerative diseases by inhibiting protein build-up in the brain.
• Anti-fungal and Anti-bacterial: Ceylon cinnamon can fight off fungi and bacteria, which could lead to various health benefits such as improved oral health and prevention of certain infections.
• Cancer prevention: Some laboratory studies suggest that cinnamon extracts may have anti-cancer effects, although more research is needed in this area.

Remember that while Ceylon cinnamon has these potential benefits, it should be used as a supplement to, not a substitute for, traditional medical treatment. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new or supplementary treatments.

Why Wholesalers Should Trade Ceylon Cinnamon

There are some reasons why wholesalers should trade ceylon cinnamon in the market: 

• Quality and Authenticity: Ceylon Cinnamon, native to Sri Lanka, is considered the true Cinnamon compared to other varieties. It offers a sweeter, more delicate flavor, and is highly valued.
• Health Benefits: Ceylon Cinnamon has numerous health benefits. It’s known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects, and can help with blood sugar control.
• Market Demand: There’s a growing demand for natural, healthy, and exotic spices, especially in the health industry and premium cooking segment. This demand can yield high profit margins.
• Scale: Wholesalers have better capacity to buy in large quantities directly from producers, reducing costs, and can ensure consistent supply to meet the market demands.
• Versatility: Ceylon Cinnamon is used in a variety of product lines including food, beverages, health supplements, cosmetics, perfumes, and can even be used in decorative items and aromatherapy.
• Ethical Trade: Trading Ceylon Cinnamon supports the local economies of the regions where it is grown, promoting sustainability and ethical trade practices.