Is cinnamon bark the same thing as cassia bark?
This article introduces the planting content of green plants and flowers about whether cinnamon bark and cassia bark are the same thing. Let's take a look together.
Is cinnamon bark the same thing as cassia bark?
Cinnamon and cassia are not the same thing. Cassia bark is a commonly used seasoning, and another seasoning similar to it is cinnamon. Although cinnamon and cassia bark have similar appearances and flavors, they might seem the same, but there are significant differences between them. Cassia and cinnamon are the bark of different species of trees in the laurel family.
Cassia bark appearance (image)
Cassia bark is a commonly used seasoning, and we often see another seasoning similar to it - cinnamon.
Cinnamon and cassia bark have similar appearances and flavors, and to most friends, they might appear to be the same thing, but in fact, there are significant differences between them. So, what are the differences between cinnamon and cassia bark?
Fresh cassia bark just peeled (image)
Difference 1: Different Types
Cinnamon and cassia bark are not produced from the same plant, as cassia and cinnamon are the bark of different species of trees in the laurel family. Cassia bark comes from trees such as Cinnamomum cassia, Cinnamomum japonicum, and Cinnamomum tenuifolium. Cinnamon, on the other hand, is the bark of Cinnamomum aromaticum, meaning that cassia and cinnamon are the bark of different tree species.
Cinnamon (image)
Difference 2: Color and Size
Cassia bark is larger and in large pieces, and it is relatively thin, usually with a blackish-brown or dark brown color, and has grayish-white spots, blemishes, or scaly shedding that reveals a tortoise-like pattern.
Cinnamon is smaller and thicker, with a tan outer color and a red-brown, oily inner layer. Moreover, there is a yellow-brown fine line between the two layers of cassia bark, and the epidermis is slightly rough, with some having grayish-white streaks visible.
Processed cinnamon (image)
Difference 3: Flavor and Components
In terms of flavor, both cinnamon and cassia bark have a similar aroma, but cinnamon has a faint sweet taste. Therefore, compared to cassia bark, cinnamon is more suitable for braising meat.
Cassia bark, on the other hand, tends to be bitter and astringent, so in many Western desserts, cinnamon powder is used, taking advantage of cinnamon's faint sweetness to make the dessert taste sweeter and richer.
The content of volatile oils in the two is also different, with cinnamon being about 1%~2% and cassia bark only around 1%, but cassia bark contains eugenol.
Selected cinnamon with a rich aroma is an indispensable seasoning for cooking delicious dishes. Some cinnamon can be added to braised pork, braised pig feet, roasted lamb, tea eggs, etc., to enhance fragrance and flavor.
That's the specific introduction to whether cinnamon bark and cassia bark are the same thing, for netizens to refer to and learn from.