Cinnamon is a popular spice that has been used for centuries for its fragrant aroma and unique taste. It is used in various cuisines and baked goods, and also has medicinal properties. There are several varieties of cinnamon available, but Chinese cinnamon, also known as Cassia, is one of the most commonly used. In this post, we will take a closer look at cinnamon from China, its characteristics, uses, and benefits.
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An overview of Cinnamon from China
Cinnamon from China, or Cassia, is a unique and versatile spice that is commonly used in Asian cuisine and baking. Whether you’re using it in cooking or as a natural remedy, Chinese cinnamon is a spice that should not be overlooked.
Characteristics of Cinnamon from China
Chinese cinnamon is a type of cinnamon that is primarily grown in China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. It is known for its strong, pungent flavor and darker color compared to other varieties of cinnamon. Chinese cinnamon has a rough, thicker bark with a more pronounced texture, making it easy to distinguish from other types of cinnamon. Cassia sticks, splits and tubes are now the 3 most common types of Cassia on the market.
Uses of Cinnamon from China
Cinnamon from China is widely used in Asian cuisine, particularly in Chinese and Vietnamese dishes. It is often used in savory dishes to add a warm, spicy flavor and aroma. Chinese cinnamon is also commonly used in baking and is an essential ingredient in many sweet treats like cinnamon rolls, cookies, and cakes.
Cinnamon cake
Chinese cinnamon is also used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is believed to have several health benefits, including reducing inflammation, regulating blood sugar levels, and promoting heart health.
Benefits of Cinnamon from China
Cinnamon from China has several health benefits due to its high concentration of cinnamaldehyde, which is responsible for its distinct flavor and aroma. Some of the benefits of Chinese cinnamon include:
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Chinese cinnamon contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective remedy for conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
- Regulating Blood Sugar Levels: Studies have shown that cinnamon from China can help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes.
- Promoting Heart Health: Chinese cinnamon can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease by improving blood circulation and reducing inflammation.
4 differences between Cinnamon from China and Cinnamon from Sri Lanka
Cinnamon from China (Cassia) and cinnamon from Sri Lanka (Ceylon) are the two common types of cinnamon that have some notable differences. Here are some of the main differences between the two.
Price
Chinese cinnamon is generally less expensive than Sri Lanka cinnamon. This is because Chinese cinnamon is more widely available and easier to produce, while Sri Lanka cinnamon is considered to be a higher-quality and premium product.
Ceylon Cinnamon
Currently, on the market, the wholesale price of Cassia cinnamon sticks is around $5xxx – $6xxx per metric ton, while the wholesale price of Ceylon cinnamon sticks is about 2 to 3 times higher, about $12xxx – $18xxx per metric ton.
Flavor
Chinese cinnamon, also known as cassia cinnamon, has a stronger and more pungent flavor than Sri Lanka cinnamon. It has a spicy, slightly bitter taste, and is often used in savory dishes. Sri Lanka cinnamon, on the other hand, has a more delicate and sweeter flavor and is often used in desserts and sweet dishes.
Appearance
Chinese cinnamon has a darker and thicker bark than Sri Lanka cinnamon. The bark of cinnamon from China is also more coarse and uneven, with a deep reddish-brown color. Sri Lanka cinnamon has a lighter, tan-colored bark that is thinner and more delicate.
Coumarin content
Both types of cinnamon contain a natural compound called coumarin, which can be toxic in high doses. However, Chinese cinnamon contains much higher levels of coumarin than Sri Lanka cinnamon. This means that consuming large amounts of cinnamon from China may be harmful to your health.
Cinnamon from China: 3 amazing dishes made from Chinese cinnamon
Chinese cinnamon is a key ingredient in many Chinese and Asian dishes, such as stir-fries, stews, soups, and marinades. It is commonly used to add flavor and aroma to baked goods like bread, cakes, and pastries. Below are the 3 amazing dishes made from Chinese cinnamon we hope you’d like to try!
Red Braised Pork Belly
This is another popular dish that uses cinnamon from China. Pork belly is simmered in a flavorful broth made from soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, rock sugar, and Chinese cinnamon, among other ingredients. The dish is cooked slowly over low heat until the pork is tender and the sauce is thick and rich. This dish is typically served with steamed buns or rice.
Chinese Five Spice Chicken
This is a classic Chinese dish that uses cinnamon from China as one of the key ingredients. To make this dish, you will need chicken thighs, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Chinese five spice powder (which contains Chinese cinnamon), garlic, ginger, and honey.
Chinese Five Spice Chicken
The chicken is marinated in a mixture of these ingredients before being cooked on the stove or in the oven. The result is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is perfectly served with steamed rice.
Spiced Apple Cider
Cinnamon from China is a great ingredient to use in warm drinks like spiced apple cider. To make this drink, you will need apple cider, Chinese cinnamon, cloves, allspice berries, and orange slices. The spices are simmered in the apple cider until fragrant and then strained out before serving. This warm and comforting drink is perfect for a cold winter day.
Cinnamon from China: How to preserve cinnamon?
To preserve its flavor and quality, it’s important to store it properly. Here are some tips on how to preserve Chinese cinnamon.
- Store in an airtight container: Cinnamon should be stored in an airtight container to prevent moisture and air from affecting its flavor and quality. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids or resealable plastic bags are good options.
- Keep away from light: Cinnamon should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place. Exposure to light can cause it to lose its flavor and aroma quickly.
- Avoid heat: Cinnamon should be kept away from heat sources, such as stovetops, ovens, or direct sunlight. Heat can cause the spice to dry out and lose its potency.
- Don’t mix with other spices: Cinnamon should be stored separately from other spices. Mixing it with other spices can cause it to absorb their flavors and aromas, which can affect its own flavor.
- Check the expiration date: Like any other spice, cinnamon has an expiration date. Check the package for the date and try to use it before it expires to ensure maximum freshness and flavor.
Where to buy retail and wholesale Chinese cinnamon?
When buying Chinese cinnamon, it’s important to ensure that you are getting high-quality, fresh cinnamon. There are several options to buy high-quality Chinese cinnamon both retail and wholesale. Here are a few suggestions:
Local Asian grocery stores
Chinese cinnamon is a popular spice used in Asian cuisine, so you may be able to find it at local Asian grocery stores. These stores usually sell spices in small quantities for retail customers, but they may also offer bulk purchases for wholesale buyers.
Online spice retailers
Many online spice retailers offer cinnamon from China for sale. You can easily search for these retailers using a search engine. Some examples of online spice retailers include Penzeys Spices, Spice House, and The Spice House.
Alibaba
Alibaba is a popular e-commerce website that connects buyers and sellers from around the world. You can find cinnamon from China and other spices for sale on the website, and many sellers offer wholesale pricing for bulk purchases.
Currently, in the US and the EU market, cinnamon sticks are one of the most commonly used types of cinnamon due to their attractive appearance and outstanding flavors. If you are looking for reputable wholesale cinnamon sticks exporters for your business, Alibaba will help you get easier.
Wholesale spice distributors
There are many spice distributors that specialize in selling spices in bulk to businesses. You can find these distributors by searching online, contacting industry associations, or looking for suppliers from famous countries exporting cinnamon like Sri Lanka, China, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
K-Agriculture Cinnamon Factory
K-Agriculture is a leading company in the cinnamon industry, providing high-quality cinnamon to customers worldwide. With a focus on sustainable farming practices and a commitment to producing the finest quality products, K-Agriculture Factory has established a reputation as a reliable supplier of Chinese cinnamon varieties from Vietnam. Being a giant in trading cinnamon products internationally in Vietnam – the biggest broken cinnamon, split cinnamon and cinnamon stick exporter since 1996, K-agriculture is proud to bring buyers broken cinnamon with uniform quality standards and affordable prices.
From retail to wholesale, K-Agriculture offers a wide range of cinnamon products to meet the diverse needs of customers. With a dedication to customer satisfaction and a passion for excellence, K-Agriculture is a top choice for anyone seeking the best cinnamon on the market.
Contact Us via:
- Website: k-agriculture.com
- Mail: sales@k-agriculture.com
- Phone/Whatsapp: +84855555837 (Ms Kris)
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