What is Saigon cinnamon? This is a very common question that we receive from both our readers and customers. Usually, you may hear quite a lot about Cassia or Ceylon cinnamon, or sometimes Vietnamese cinnamon or Chinese cinnamon, but Saigon cinnamon? That sounds strange! So in this article, we’ll find the answer and interesting facts about this amazing spice. Let’s go
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What is Saigon cinnamon?
“I’ve heard some friends talking about Saigon cinnamon’s benefits. But I don’t know what exactly it is. What is Saigon cinnamon? Is it a type of cinnamon?”
Cinnamon in general and Saigon cinnamon, in particular, are common and essential spices in our daily life. They appear in every corner of the world, in our kitchens, restaurants, and traditional markets. They are used for making delicious cakes, tasty dishes, warm and aromatic cups of tea… However, many people are still confused: “What is Saigon cinnamon?”
Overview of Cinnamon
To answer the question What is Saigon cinnamon? First, take an overview of Saigon cinnamon.
What is Saigon cinnamon?
Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices which is known around 2000 BC. The Chinese were the world’s first discoverers and users, and after that, it was brought to Europe by the Silk Road and spread to many other countries in the world. At that time cinnamon was considered a useful medicinal herb and was used mainly in the preparation of medicines and in some religious rituals.
Cinnamon includes 2 main types: Cassia vs Ceylon cinnamon
- Ceylon cinnamon: Dubbed “true cinnamon”, Ceylon cinnamon is a very expensive spice, partly because it is difficult to grow, and partly because of its great taste. This type is mainly grown in Sri Lanka (85% Ceylon cinnamon is produced here), has a distinctive characteristic, mild flavor, and startling unique aromas of fruits, flowers, and clove-like… That’s why it is the favorite spice of all chefs in the world!
Ceylon cinnamon
- Cassia cinnamon: Another type of cinnamon is Cassia, which is characterized by a spicy-sweet flavor, strong taste, and warming scent. After using them, you can feel a nutty and enticing taste that still lingers in your mouth.
Types of Cassia: Saigon cinnamon, Chinese cinnamon, Indonesian cinnamon
People often refer to Cassia cinnamon as Chinese cinnamon because of its origin, however, in fact, Cassia can be classified into 3 types based on the country of production: Chinese cinnamon; Vietnamese cinnamon or Saigon cinnamon; and Indonesian cinnamon. Among them, Saigon cinnamon is rated as having the best quality. Vietnam also accounts for about 34,4% of cinnamon exports in 2023 worldwide, making Vietnam one of the largest cinnamon exporters.
What is Saigon cinnamon?
So What is Saigon cinnamon? As mentioned above, Saigon cinnamon is the same as Vietnamese cinnamon (or “quế trà my”, “quế Thanh” in Vietnamese) – which is grown and harvested in this beautiful country. However, compared to common cinnamon, its flavor is more intense and stronger.
Saigon cinnamon
Saigon cinnamon is known to many people for its spicy and slightly sweet taste, with a dark red-brown color. This is because Saigon cinnamon contains more cinnamaldehyde, the essential oil responsible for sweet and woody flavor. In particular, it has about 2-4% essential oil content, which is considered one of the most important factors in evaluating the quality of cinnamon.
Is Saigon cinnamon better than other cinnamon?
Saigon cinnamon has a rich oil content and its essential oil is extracted and used for many different purposes. Therefore its price is also a bit more expensive than cinnamon from China and Indonesia. Saigon cinnamon oil content is also the reason why it is rated the most tasteful type in the world of cinnamon! For further information, the table below presents a brief comparison of Saigon cinnamon and other kinds of cinnamon on the market like Chinese, Indonesian, and Ceylon cinnamon.
A comparison between Saigon cinnamon and other types of cinnamon
So What is Saigon cinnamon? In brief, Saigon cinnamon is a type of Cassia cinnamon, mainly grown and produced in Vietnam with a dark reddish brown color, rich in essential oil content, has a stronger but sweeter taste, and is a bit higher in price than regular cassia cinnamon. → quotes
Saigon Cinnamon vs. Ceylon Cinnamon
Saigon cinnamon, or Vietnamese cinnamon, is often regarded as the superior choice compared to Ceylon cinnamon in terms of flavor, aroma, and price.
Saigon cinnamon vs. Ceylon cinnamon
Saigon cinnamon has a sweeter, spicier taste and a stronger aroma due to its higher oil content. Ceylon cinnamon which is only grown in Siri Lanka, has a milder taste and scent because of its lower levels of essential oil. Moreover, the price for Ceylon cinnamon is much higher than Saigon cinnamon due to its limited supply.
Saigon Cinnamon vs. Chinese Cassia
When comparing Saigon cinnamon to Chinese Cassia, the former stands out due to its better quality and flavor profile. Chinese Cassia is often less expensive and widely used, but it has a harsher, more bitter taste and is lower in essential oils than Saigon cinnamon. Moreover, while Chinese Cassia can contain higher levels of coumarin, which can be harmful to people’s health, Saigon cinnamon is much safer for regular consumption.
Saigon Cinnamon vs. Indonesian Korintje
In the comparison of Saigon cinnamon and Indonesian Korintje, Saigon cinnamon takes the lead in both taste and health benefits.
Saigon cinnamon vs. Indonesian Korintje
Korintje cinnamon tends to be milder and sweeter, which can make it less appealing for those who prefer a more robust flavor. Saigon cinnamon is richer in essential oils, providing more health benefits, including better digestion support and stronger antioxidant properties, making it the better choice for health-conscious consumers.
Health benefits of Saigon cinnamon
Saigon cinnamon is famous for its higher cinnamaldehyde than most common cinnamon, which has amazing benefits for our health. Cinnamaldehyde is an essential oil that serves as an antioxidant to scavenge damage, prevent lipid peroxidation effectively, and disease-causing free radicals.
Health benefits of Saigon cinnamon
It also contains eugenol, a powerful chemical that helps protect cells and alleviate inflammation. Each serving of cinnamon also provides a small amount of fiber and minerals such as vitamin K, calcium iron, and manganese.
Support heart health
Saigon cinnamon can support heart health due to its high antioxidant content, including eugenol and cinnamaldehyde. These antioxidants help protect the heart by neutralizing free radicals—unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to inflammation. By reducing oxidative stress, cinnamon may help lower the risk of heart disease and improve overall cardiovascular function, potentially lowering blood pressure and reducing harmful cholesterol levels. This antioxidant effect keeps people hearts healthy by keeping blood vessels flexible and promoting better circulation.
Enhance blood sugar control
Saigon cinnamon may help control blood sugar levels, which is good for managing blood sugar-related health problems. Research shows that when Saigon cinnamon is taken consistently over a period of 4 to 18 weeks, it can lower blood sugar by improving the body’s response to insulin. Including Saigon cinnamon in a suitable diet could support better blood sugar control, but it’s always wise to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Promote better digestive health
Saigon cinnamon is not only a delicious spice but also a natural remedy that can promote better digestive health. It has been used to help ease digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and upset stomach. The compounds in Saigon cinnamon can help enhance the digestive system, making it easier for your body to process food. Moreover, Saigon cinnamon has antimicrobial properties that kill harmful bacteria in the gut, further supporting healthy digestion.
Improve oral health
Cinnamon has been shown to help kill dangerous germs and enhance oral hygiene. Therefore, for many centuries, people have used cinnamon to treat problems like mouth sores and toothaches because it works as a gentle remedy.
Read also: Amazing treats with cinnamon stick recipe
Commonly asked questions about Saigon cinnamon you should know
Side effects of Saigon cinnamon you should pay attention to!
Cinnamaldehyde levels in Saigon cinnamon are higher than in other varieties. This component provides an intense flavor and smell, as well as excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities. However, Saigon cinnamon, like other cassia species, is thought to be toxic in excessive amounts because of its high coumarin concentration. Consequently, Saigon cinnamon can be toxic and harmful to our liver and kidneys when used improperly.
Side effects of Saigon cinnamon you should pay attention to!
Headaches, nausea, and diarrhea can be common side effects of coumarin usage. However, more dangerous signs including bruising or abnormal bleeding may indicate a more serious condition.
How much Saigon cinnamon can be consumed per day?
If using Saigon cinnamon at a high level, it can be harmful and have negative impacts on your health. In some cases, simply half a teaspoon of coumarin might be over the recommended limit daily. However, if you know how to use it in an appropriate way and amount, Saigon cinnamon will be a great choice to bump up and enhance the flavor of food and your favorite dishes.
How much Saigon cinnamon should be used?
According to the research conducted by the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), an acceptable daily dose of coumarin in cinnamon is 0.05 mg per pound (= 0.1 mg/kilogram) of body weight (based on animal testing)
This means that 2.5 grams or 1 teaspoon of Saigon cinnamon are an adequate amount that an average adult can consume each day.
How to buy good quality Saigon cinnamon?
Buying good-quality Saigon cinnamon is simple when you know what to look for. Saigon cinnamon is known for its strong, sweet aroma and rich flavor, which make it a favorite ingredient in cooking and wellness. However, with various grades and sources available, choosing the right type of Saigon cinnamon can be challenging. Here are some essential tips for you to buy the best quality Saigon cinnamon.
What is Saigon cinnamon? – Notes when choosing to buy cinnamon Saigon
- Know the characteristics of cinnamon well: If you do not want to buy fake or poor-quality cinnamon (due to long storage, and poor preservation), pay close attention to the appearance of cinnamon. You need to make sure that it is Saigon cinnamon – characteristic red-brown color, natural aroma; and most importantly, it has a sweet taste. Smell it carefully and taste it, the newer the cinnamon, the stronger the flavor will be and the aroma is light, not the strong smell but not as fragrant as the old Saigon cinnamon.
- Cheap, bitter – it could be Chinese cinnamon: In fact, much cheaper, lower quality Chinese cinnamon has entered the market and claimed to be Saigon cinnamon. However, the taste and price of these two types of cinnamon are fundamentally different, so be careful when buying cinnamon.
- Buy from reputable sellers: If you buy retail, you can find supermarket centers or famous sellers in traditional Asian markets. If you buy wholesale, you can refer to some reputable cinnamon production and export companies in Vietnam such as Visimex, Vinasimex (organic Saigon cinnamon), or K-Agriculture (popular Saigon cinnamon varieties: Cassia cinnamon stick, Cigarette cinnamon, Split cinnamon, Broken cinnamon, and Tube cinnamon). These companies are well known for their quality, long experiences, and competitive prices.
K-Agriculture – About us
With experience in producing and exporting cinnamon to more than 20 countries in the regions of South Asia (such as India, and Bangladesh), the Middle East (UAE, Pakistan), East Asia, Europe, and the United States…, K-Agricultural is proud of one of the best agricultural factories and leading reputable cinnamon suppliers in 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.
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We build a closed linkage model from cultivation to consumption, ensuring the benefits of farmers, and production workers as well as customer satisfaction with the quality of each export cinnamon shipment, a professional and methodical working style.
K-Agriculture Saigon cinnamon
Currently, we have a cinnamon growing area with an area of 3000 ha and a factory with an export production capacity of 1000 tons of cinnamon per year. The main export products include: Stick cinnamon, Cigarette cinnamon, Split cinnamon, Broken cinnamon, and Tube cinnamon
Contact us now to get the best prices for your cinnamon deals via:
Whatsapp: +84 855555243/+84 855555837
Email: info@k-agriculture.com
Website: https://k-agriculture.com/
