Cooking with Cinnamon

What's the difference between cinnamon and cassia?

While the names cinnamon and cassia are often used interchangeably—and the plants are related—there are botanical and practical differences. Cassia is reddish-brown and pungently sweet; it's grown primarily in China, the Indonesian islands and Vietnam. (The outer bark isn't removed during the harvesting of cassia.) True cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), on the other hand, is buff-colored and mild; it generally comes from Sri Lanka (ancient Ceylon, from which it gets its name) and the Malabar Coast of India. Ceylon Cinnamon is considered a more complex flavor, spicy rather than sweet, with woody undertones. Each holds its place in various ethnic cuisines and kitchens. Most of the powdered cinnamon sold in supermarkets today is cassia.

Which spice blends include cinnamon?

It depends on the cook developing the blend, of course, but because it complements so many foods and other spices, you can find cinnamon in many spice blends, such as curry powder, garam masala, sambhar powder, and five spice powder. Baking blends like apple pie spice and pumpkin pie spice, as well as many pickling blends, seafood boil blends, tea blends (like Chai), and mulling spice blends also rely upon cinnamon.

Frontier's Cinnamon

Here's a summary of the types of cinnamon we offer:

Vietnamese (Cinnamomum loureirii)

Frontier's Vietnamese cinnamon (Cinnamomum loureirii) is harvested in the mountainous regions of North Vietnam from trees that have matured at least 20 years. Its pungent aroma and rich flavor is the result of the high oil content; we purchase cinnamon cut from the base of the tree, where the highest concentration of oil is found. Formally known as Saigon cinnamon, this special variety has rebounded in popularity in the U.S. following a long absence. Compared to Indonesian types, Vietnamese cinnamon has a distinctly sweet flavor and an exceptionally high volatile oil content. Gourmet cooks rate it as the highest quality cinnamon in the world.

Chinese (Cinnamomum aromaticum)

Chinese cinnamon posseses characteristics similar to those of Vietnamese cinnamon, but with a less intense flavor. In China, the bark is typically peeled from the trees starting at 10 years of age and continuing as long as 30 years.

Ceylon (Cinnamomum verum)

We also offer Cinnamomum verum, or "true cinnamon," from Sri Lanka. This cinnamon is native to Sri Lanka (though grown in India, the East and West Indies, and Central America). The cultivated variety grows 8 to 10 feet and resembles a shrub rather than a tree. Most of the product in the U.S. is sold in the stick form.

Korintje (Cinnamomum burmanii)

The most commonly found cinnamon in American kitchens is Indonesian cassia. It is sourced from higher elevations and is harvested a bit earlier than Chinese and Vietnamese cinnamons. Korintje translates as “thick quill” and is judged for quality based on the part of the tree that is harvested (trunk vs. branch) and on the length of the bark peeled from the tree. Our Indonesian cassia (Cinnamomum burmanii) — considered the most flavorful in the world — comes from Mt. Korintje in Sumatra, where the altitude contributes to the spice's intense, reddish-brown color and strong flavor.

Try Frontier's assortment of ground cinnamon, sticks of various lengths, chips and granules.



Widely employed in the fragrance and cosmetic industries, you'll find cinnamon in incense, dental products, makeup and perfumes. But it's real claim to fame, of course, is in the kitchen.

Cooking with Cinnamon



Cinnamon Cranberry Chutney

Create a tangy, complex sauce with this cranberry chutney recipe. Spicy-sweet cinnamon and ginger complement the tart cranberries, while fragrant cardamom accents the citrus.

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup peeled, diced apple
1/2 cup orange juice
1/3 cup pitted medjool dates (6 to 7 dates)
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon Frontier Organic Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Frontier Organic Ginger
1/8 tablespoon Frontier Organic Cardamom
 Zest from 1 lemon

1. Combine all ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until the dates and majority of cranberries have broken down, 15 to 20 minutes.

2. Remove from heat, let cool slightly, and serve.

Note: Cardamom is a wonderful flavor but can easily overpower a dish. Start on the low end with an 1/8 teaspoon or slightly less then taste and adjust from there.

Yields 2 cups.

Cinnamon-Maple Grapefruit

Whether eaten for breakfast, as an afternoon snack or for dessert, this baked grapefruit recipe makes the perfect sweet treat. Broiling grapefruit brings out a sweet and less tart flavor that's enhanced by the cinnamon and maple syrup. 

1  medium ruby red grapefruit
2 tablespoons Frontier Maple Syrup Granules
1/2 teaspoon Frontier Organic Cinnamon

1. Cut grapefruit in half and place in baking pan. Use a knife to section, including cutting all the way around the edges. Sprinkle each half with 1 tablespoon of maple granules and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon.
2. Broil on high for about a minute (or until top is bubbly and starting to brown) and serve.

Hot Tamale Maple Cinnamon Popcorn

Better than the corn syrup-filled candy box, this popcorn has maple-cinnamon sweetness, cayenne spiciness and is altogether addicting. 

3 cups freshly popped popcorn
4 tablespoons Frontier Maple Syrup Granules
4 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons Frontier Organic Cane Sugar
1 teaspoon Frontier Organic Vietnamese Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon Frontier Organic Cayenne
1/8 teaspoon Frontier Sea Salt

2. Combine maple syrup granules, butter, water, sugar, cinnamon, cayenne and salt in a saucepan. Working quickly, heat over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until fully dissolved and bubbly.
3. Drizzle popcorn with maple hot tamale sauce.
4. Spread mixture on prepared baking sheet and bake in oven for 30 to 40 minutes, tossing and stirring every 10 minutes until topping is set and shiny. Turn out onto parchment paper to cool.

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