cinnamon

Beyond the Sprinkle: Discovering the Soul of True Cinnamon

That scent. You know the one. It’s the warm, sweet, and spicy aroma that instantly feels like a hug. It’s the smell of a cosy Sunday morning, of apple crumble bubbling in the oven, of a festive mulled wine steaming on the hob. It’s the taste of comfort, of nostalgia, of pure, simple joy.

Cinnamon is so much more than just a dusty shaker at the back of the cupboard. It’s a spice with a rich, ancient history and a surprisingly complex character. But here’s a little secret most people don’t know: the cinnamon you’ve been using your whole life might not be what you think it is.

The world of cinnamon is a tale of two very different spices, each with its own personality and purpose. At Lemon & Salt, we believe in celebrating these nuances. We’ve sourced the finest examples of both, so you can move beyond a simple sprinkle and start using this incredible spice with intention and delight. If you're looking to buy cinnamon online, your flavour adventure starts right here.

The Cinnamon You Know (and the One You Don’t): A Tale of Two Cousins

The most important thing to know is the difference between Cassia and Ceylon cinnamon. Think of them as two cousins: one is bold, fiery, and loves to be the centre of attention; the other is delicate, sweet, and wonderfully complex.

Ceylon Cinnamon: The Delicate Darling of Sri Lanka

Meet the connoisseur’s choice. Ceylon cinnamon, often called "true cinnamon," is the real deal. Hailing from Sri Lanka, this is the authentic Sri Lankan cinnamon prized by pastry chefs and spice purists. Visually, you can spot it immediately: its cinnamon sticks are formed from many thin, papery layers of bark rolled together into a fragile, multi-layered quill.

The flavour is where it truly shines. It’s incredibly aromatic, with a subtle, sophisticated sweetness and warm, woody notes complemented by hints of citrus and florals. It’s never overpowering. This is the cinnamon for baking delicate cakes, stirring into custards, or infusing into a beautiful cup of cinnamon tea. Its gentle character enhances other flavours rather than dominating them. If you’re looking for a truly special, organic cinnamon, the nuanced elegance of Ceylon is unmatched.

Cassia Cinnamon: The Bold, Familiar Favourite

This is the cinnamon most of us grew up with. Cassia cinnamon is what you’ll typically find in the supermarket. Its bark is much thicker and harder, forming a single, tough layer when rolled into a stick.

Its flavour is bold, punchy, and intensely spicy-sweet. It delivers that classic, fiery cinnamon hit that we all know and love from a warm cinnamon roll or a rich, spiced curry. While Ceylon is subtle, Cassia is robust and stands up beautifully to strong flavours and long cooking times. This makes it the perfect cinnamon for curries, rich stews, and those big, comforting bakes that need a powerful spice backbone. It’s also the star of any blend of mulling spices for wine or cider.

From Bark to Bliss: Choosing Your Cinnamon Form

Once you’ve chosen your variety, the next question is form. Do you go for the rustic charm of whole sticks or the instant gratification of a powder?

Cinnamon Sticks (or Quills): The Art of Slow Infusion

There is a certain romance to using whole cinnamon sticks. Dropping one of these beautiful cinnamon quills into a pot is about the ritual of slow infusion. As they gently simmer in a liquid—be it a curry sauce, a pot of poaching fruit, or a milk for a spiced latte—they gradually release their aromatic oils, infusing the entire dish with a deep, layered warmth.

Wondering how to use cinnamon sticks? It’s wonderfully simple. Add one to the pot when you start cooking your rice for a fragrant pilaf. Let one steep with your favourite black tea leaves for a comforting brew. Or simmer a few in a pan of apple juice with cloves and star anise for a non-alcoholic mulled cider. They are built for long, slow cooking, and their flavour lasts.

Ground Cinnamon: The Baker’s Best Friend

For an instant hit of warmth, you can’t beat ground cinnamon. It’s the essential ingredient for bakers, ready to be whisked into cake batters, kneaded into bread doughs, or sprinkled over a cappuccino. It provides that immediate, consistent cinnamon flavour throughout your bake.

For the freshest, most vibrant flavour, you can even make your own. How to grind cinnamon sticks? A simple coffee or spice grinder makes quick work of it. Just snap the sticks into smaller pieces and blitz them into a fine powder. The burst of aroma that fills your kitchen is a reward in itself!

Weaving Cinnamon into Your Everyday (and a Note on Health)

The beauty of cinnamon lies in its versatility. It’s a friend to both sweet and savoury dishes.

• In Savoury Cooking: A stick of Cassia cinnamon adds a wonderful, subtle warmth to the base of a beef rendang, a lamb tagine, or a classic Indian curry. It pairs beautifully with rich meats and lentils. Try adding a pinch of ground cinnamon to our collection of authentic spice blends.
• In Baking: From a simple cinnamon sugar toast to an elaborate apple pie, its role is iconic. Ceylon cinnamon will give your pastries a more refined, aromatic flavour.
• In Drinks: A cinnamon quill is a beautiful and flavourful stirrer for your hot chocolate or coffee. Let it infuse in your morning pot of tea for a gentle, spiced start to the day.

And what about the health benefits of cinnamon? This ancient spice has long been celebrated in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties and its potential to help regulate blood sugar. So, that comforting sprinkle on your porridge might just be giving you a little wellness boost, too.

Ready to Rediscover This Wonderful Spice?

It’s time to see cinnamon not just as a single note, but as a spectrum of flavour waiting to be explored. To understand when to reach for the fiery punch of Cassia and when to choose the delicate perfume of Ceylon. To appreciate the rustic charm of a whole quill and the instant magic of a fine powder.

Whether you're stocking up your baker's pantry or exploring the world of spices, our collection is the perfect place to start. Have a little browse, and find the perfect cinnamon to warm your next creation.