McCormick is one of the largest spice companies in the world and produces a variety of cinnamon products. Their cinnamon comes from two main types: Ceylon and Saigon.
What is Ceylon cinnamon?
Ceylon cinnamon, also known as true cinnamon, is native to Sri Lanka and southern parts of India. It is made from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum verum evergreen tree. Ceylon cinnamon has a very light brown color and its quills can be easily broken into layers. It has a refined and delicate flavor with notes of citrus and cloves. Ceylon cinnamon is considered the highest quality cinnamon and is more expensive than other varieties.
What is Saigon cinnamon?
Saigon cinnamon, also known as Vietnamese cassia, is native to Vietnam and parts of Southern China. It is made from the bark of the Cinnamomum loureiroi tree. Saigon cinnamon has a reddish-brown color and its quills are thicker and harder to break apart. It has a stronger, spicier flavor with less sweetness compared to Ceylon cinnamon. Saigon cinnamon contains more essential oil, which gives it a hotter taste. It is cheaper to produce than Ceylon cinnamon.
Which type does McCormick use?
McCormick uses both Ceylon and Saigon cinnamon varieties in their products:
- Ceylon cinnamon is used in their premium quality offerings like their Ceylon Cinnamon and Organic Ceylon Cinnamon.
- Saigon cinnamon is used in their cheaper bulk products like Ground Cinnamon and Vietnamese Cinnamon.
To determine which type is used in a particular McCormick cinnamon product, you need to check the label or product description:
Products containing Ceylon cinnamon
- McCormick Gourmet Collection Ceylon Cinnamon
- McCormick Gourmet Organic Ceylon Cinnamon
- McCormick Gourmet Vietnam Ceylon Cinnamon Blend
- Any product labeled “Ceylon cinnamon”
Products containing Saigon cinnamon
- McCormick Ground Cinnamon
- McCormick Vietnamese Cinnamon
- Any product labeled “Vietnamese cinnamon”
Ceylon cinnamon is primarily used in McCormick’s gourmet and organic lines where quality matters most. Their regular ground cinnamon and value offerings use the lower cost Saigon cinnamon.
How to tell the difference
It can be difficult for the average consumer to tell whether a cinnamon product contains Ceylon or Saigon cinnamon. Here are some tips:
- Look at the color – Ceylon cinnamon is tan to light reddish brown while Saigon is a deeper reddish brown.
- Ceylon cinnamon is composed of many thin rolled layers that are fragile and easy to break apart. Saigon sticks are harder and thicker.
- Ceylon has a mild sweet woody flavor while Saigon is more pungent and hot.
- Check for the country of origin – Ceylon cinnamon is from Sri Lanka, while Saigon cinnamon is from Vietnam.
- Ceylon is more expensive than Saigon so lower priced cinnamon is typically Saigon.
- Buy cinnamon labeled specifically as Ceylon or Saigon for guaranteed variety.
Nutritional profile
Both Ceylon and Saigon cinnamon are highly nutritious spices. They have minimal fat and carbohydrates and are composed mainly of fiber and manganese along with other vitamins and minerals. Ceylon cinnamon has slightly more calcium while Saigon has a bit more iron but they are otherwise very similar nutritionally. Their nutrition profiles per 100 g are:
| Nutrient | Ceylon Cinnamon | Saigon Cinnamon |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 247 | 260 |
| Fat | 1 g | 1 g |
| Carbs | 80 g | 81 g |
| Fiber | 53 g | 75 g |
| Calcium | 1003 mg | 832 mg |
| Iron | 8 mg | 17 mg |
| Manganese | 17 mg | 15 mg |
Health benefits
Both varieties of cinnamon offer many health benefits, though Ceylon cinnamon is considered to have more health promoting properties:
Benefits of Ceylon cinnamon
- Helps regulate blood sugar and improves insulin sensitivity
- Lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides
- Rich in antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation
- May help protect brain function and reduce risk of neurodegenerative diseases
- Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties help fight infections
Benefits of Saigon cinnamon
- Contains cinnamaldehyde that improves insulin sensitivity
- Powerful antioxidants like polyphenols protect cells from damage
- Anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling and pain
- Antimicrobial effects combat harmful bacteria and fungi
- Cancer fighting abilities thanks to cinnamaldehyde
Overall, both offer great health benefits and are good to include in the diet regularly. But Ceylon cinnamon’s milder, more refined flavor makes it better for cooking and sprinkling on foods.
Uses
Both Ceylon and Saigon cinnamon are used as a spice to flavor various dishes and baked goods. Here are some of their best uses:
Ceylon Cinnamon Uses
- Often used in desserts, sweets, pastries for its mild sweetness
- Adds flavor without overpowering other ingredients
- Great for cinnamon buns, cookies, pies, cobblers
- Nice complement to fruits like apples and pears
- Works well in coffee, tea, hot chocolate
- Useful for savory Middle Eastern and Indian dishes
Saigon Cinnamon Uses
- Works well in spicy dishes for its hot flavor
- Added to curries, chilis, stews for complexity
- Great for making extracts, candy, gum
- Used in some baking but can overpower
- Blend with Ceylon cinnamon for balanced sweet-spicy flavor
- Sometimes used in savory meat dishes
Saigon cinnamon’s pungent flavor works best in small amounts in strong flavored dishes while Ceylon’s refined notes are perfect for subtle sweet desserts.
Price differences
On average, Ceylon cinnamon is more expensive than Saigon cinnamon. Here are some of the reasons for the price discrepancy:
- Ceylon cinnamon is rarer and cultivated in smaller quantities than the more abundant Saigon cinnamon.
- It takes longer to cultivate Ceylon cinnamon trees and the yield of cinnamon quills is lower.
- Ceylon cinnamon production is limited mainly to Sri Lanka while Saigon comes from numerous countries.
- The multi-layered paper-thin bark of Ceylon cinnamon is more labor intensive to harvest and process.
- Demand for Ceylon’s complex flavor profile commands a higher price.
Depending on the brand and quantity, Saigon cinnamon generally costs 25-75% less than Ceylon cinnamon. For premium quality, Ceylon is worth the extra cost but Saigon works great when making large batches of food on a budget.
Is one better than the other?
It’s hard to definitively say that Ceylon or Saigon cinnamon is better overall. Each has their own unique flavor profile, cost and benefits. Here is a comparison overview:
| Ceylon Cinnamon | Saigon Cinnamon | |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Subtle, sweet | Pungent, spicy |
| Color | Light tan | Dark reddish brown |
| Texture | Thin, brittle | Thick, hardy |
| Cost | Expensive | Cheap |
| Region | Sri Lanka | Vietnam |
| Best Uses | Baking, desserts | Savory dishes |
For most baking purposes, the more refined flavor of Ceylon cinnamon makes it the best choice. But Saigon is great for adding a spicy kick to savory foods. Blending both cinnamon types together gives you the best of both worlds.
Conclusion
McCormick uses both Ceylon and Saigon cinnamon varieties in their products. Ceylon cinnamon from Sri Lanka is featured in their gourmet spice lines and is characterized by a tan color, delicate flavor, and paper-thin texture. Saigon cinnamon from Vietnam is used in their cheaper bulk offerings and has a dark red-brown color, hardy quills, and a spicy zing. While Ceylon cinnamon costs more, it provides a mild sweetness perfect for desserts and baked goods. Saigon cinnamon is better suited for curries and savory dishes that need some spice and heat. By checking the label and understanding their differences in color, texture, taste and origin, you can select the right McCormick cinnamon variety for your cooking needs.