As the weather gets colder, we inevitably think of some heavy spices, and cinnamon is one of them. However, people’s attitudes towards cinnamon seem to be quite polarized; those who love it adore it, while those who dislike it can hardly stand its scent.The cinnamon in cinnamon rolls and the cassia used for stewing meat are both strong-smelling spices with the character “桂” (gui), but they are not the same thing, differing in flavor and usage.
Image source: pixabay
Cassia vs. Cinnamon
The bark of various plants in the Lauraceae family contains aromatic substances and has a unique fragrance, making it commonly used as a spice.In botanical terms, what we call cassia in China is primarily the native Chinese cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), while the cinnamon often referred to from abroad is mostly Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum). These plants were previously classified under the genus Cinnamomum, but recent research suggests they may be reclassified under a newly named genus.The differences in the content of cinnamaldehyde, linalool, and eugenol between cassia and Ceylon cinnamon lead to variations in flavor and usage. This article mainly distinguishes between “cassia” (Chinese cinnamon) and “cinnamon” (Ceylon cinnamon) from a daily perspective and introduces their different culinary applications.
What is Cassia?
A Great Helper in Cooking
Cassia is almost a staple spice in every household. Compared to Ceylon cinnamon, cassia is darker in color, reddish-brown, thicker, and more solid, with a more stimulating taste and a slight bitterness. This is also why Ceylon cinnamon, rather than cassia, is commonly used in desserts and beverages.
On the left is Ceylon cinnamon, and on the right is domestic cassia. Image source: wiki commons / Antti Vähä-SipiläIn China, cassia is mainly produced in Guangxi, Guangdong, Fujian, and Zhejiang. Depending on the processing specifications, cassia can be divided into whole cassia, cassia chips, and cassia fragments— whole cassia has the outer layer intact, cassia chips have the outer layer removed, and cassia fragments are smaller pieces of cassia.When it comes to common uses of cassia, it is naturally added to dishes to remove odors and enhance flavor, such as in braised meat, marinated dishes, and red-cooked dishes. These ingredients related to meat dishes often contain cassia.In addition to being used as a standalone spice, cassia is also an essential ingredient in compound spices like five-spice powder and thirteen-spice powder. It neither stands out nor hides away, but rather, cassia naturally integrates into Chinese cuisine.
Ceylon Cinnamon, More Suitable for Baking and Beverages
The term “Ceylon” in Ceylon cinnamon actually refers to Sri Lanka, but besides Sri Lanka, Madagascar also produces Ceylon cinnamon. Cinnamon was one of the first spices to cross the Indian Ocean to the Western world, and its popularity has not diminished since its introduction.Ceylon cinnamon is often made from multiple layers of thin cinnamon bark rolled up, available in powdered, stick, and fragment forms, with a texture as crisp as paper and a light brown color,and a sweeter taste. In foreign countries, cinnamon is often used in powdered form and has a variety of applications, appearing in both sweet and savory dishes as well as beverages.
Skin, powder, and dried flowers of Ceylon cinnamon. Image source: wikipedia/Simon A. Eugster
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Sweet Dishes
Cinnamon rolls originated in Sweden and are a direct product of Ceylon cinnamon’s introduction to Europe. Since 1999, Sweden has designated October 4th as Cinnamon Roll Day.Cinnamon rolls are baked sweet breads made from dough rolled with cinnamon powder and sugar (usually topped with a layer of butter). Besides the baked version, there is also a more indulgent fried version called cinnamon doughnuts.
Image source: pixabayAlthough they are all called cinnamon rolls, cinnamon rolls around the world vary somewhat. The Nordic cinnamon rolls are very simple in appearance, reflecting their typical Nordic style. In North America, cinnamon rolls are often topped with a white sauce made from cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. In the UK, a square-shaped cinnamon roll is more common… But regardless of how the decoration and shape change, the essential sweet and spicy flavor of cinnamon remains unchanged.If there is any fruit that pairs perfectly with cinnamon, it is undoubtedly the apple. Apple pie, apple tart, cinnamon apple sauce… all showcase the combination of cinnamon and apple.Apples baked to a slight sweetness without becoming mushy, paired with just the right amount of cinnamon powder aromais simply heartwarming.Apples sautéed with butter, sugar, and cinnamon powder until caramelized, wrapped in a flaky crust, are simply the bomb in the dessert world.Cinnamon cookies, made from butter, flour, sugar, and cinnamon, are characterized by their cracked surface, which is the first impression they give.Compared to regular sugar cookies, the cookie dough is filled with cinnamon sugar, which is its most distinctive flavor feature. Since this type of cookie can use different leavening agents, even with the same ingredients, the cookies can have either a crispy or soft texture depending on the fermentation used.In fact, cinnamon’s applications in desserts are much more versatile than I imagined; French toast, chocolate, rice pudding, oatmeal… all can be sprinkled with cinnamon powder to become cinnamon XXX.
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Savory Cooking
Most meats pair well with cinnamon, with notable dishes including Indian butter chicken and Greek Chicken kapama.Indian butter chicken is a dish that immerses crispy-skinned, tender roasted chicken in a sauce made with cinnamon, coriander seeds, and butter, filling the nose with the aroma of spices and butter.Shawarma, which is commonly found in Middle Eastern restaurants, consists of layers of roasted meat stacked in a vertical rotisserie, often marinated with cinnamon and other spices and slow-cooked, typically served as a sandwich or salad.Greek Chicken kapama is a very typical Greek dish, simmered with chicken in a tomato sauce base, flavored with cinnamon, black pepper, and other spices, and served over pasta or egg noodles. For many Greeks, cinnamon and tomato sauce are a perfect match.
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Beverages
As a spice with exceptional qualities, cinnamon’s domain is certainly not limited to food but extends to drinks as well.If other uses of cinnamon involve collaboration with other foods, then in cinnamon tea, cinnamon takes center stage.Simply stir cinnamon powder into boiling water, let it sit for a few minutes, and drink it as a rich and pure cinnamon tea, which can also be flavored with honey or lemon. For a more robust flavor, you can brew your favorite tea leaves or tea bags with cinnamon tea.Of course, many coffee shops now offer cinnamon powder, so if you are a devoted fan of cinnamon powder, you can sprinkle your desired amount on every cup of coffee.
Image source: pixabayIn recent years, thanks to the popularity of hot mulled wine during the cold season, cinnamon has indeed gained many loyal fans. Mulled wine, made by boiling red wine with cinnamon, cloves, oranges, and other spices and fruits, offers a warm, richly aromatic drink that is delicious and easy to prepare.In fact, around Christmas time, there is also a drink related to cinnamon called eggnog. Traditional eggnog is made from milk, cream, sugar, egg yolks, and whipped egg whites, mixed with brandy, rum, whiskey, or bourbon, and finally topped with cinnamon powder (or nutmeg powder).In summary, whether it is the commonly used Ceylon cinnamon abroad or the frequently seen cassia in China, the charming and rich flavor perfectly matches the warm atmosphere of autumn and winter.
Planning and Production
Source丨Food Lab (ID:Food_Lab)
Author | Hedgehog
Editor | Wang Mengru
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