Cinnamomum Zeylanicum
These tightly-rolled quills are very delicate. They feel like parchment paper, which you can break apart with your fingertips. This is the preferred cinnamon in Europe and Mexico. It's often called for in pickling, spiced pears or peaches, and in the brewing of hot cocoa.
You will find its flavor to be quite distinct from cassia cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon has a much lower volatile oil content, between 1 and 2%, but its flavor has a subtle complexity that you won't experience with the stronger, spicier cassia. You might even notice the delicate flavor of citrus interwoven in the scent of this cinnamon.
The light, intricate flavor of Ceylon cinnamon makes it the cinnamon of choice for dishes which do not have a lot of conflicting flavors competing. It will star in such dishes as custard, cinnamon ice cream, Dutch pears, stewed rhubarb, steamed puddings, dessert syrups, or mixed into whipped cream.
Food for thought is no substitute for the real thing.
Walt Kelly
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