12.21.2017
Saigon Cinnamon vs. Korintje Cinnamon Comparison
Compare Saigon and Korintje cinnamon: flavor, best uses, substitution tips, storage, and a brief health note for cooking and baking.
- Saigon (Vietnamese) is very aromatic, hot and sweet due to high oil content; Korintje (Indonesian cassia) is milder and bittersweet.
- Use Saigon when cinnamon is the star in baked sweets; use Korintje for everyday cooking and savory dishes.
- Adjust amounts when substituting, store spices airtight and cool, and be aware cassia types contain more coumarin than true Ceylon cinnamon.
What is the difference between Saigon Cinnamon and Korintje Cinnamon?
The key difference between Saigon and Korintje Cinnamon is the flavor profile and where the plant is grown in the world. Vietnamese cinnamon (Saigon) is harvested in a very similar way as the Indonesian (Korintje) variety. Sheets of bark are stripped from the base of the tree, cleaned with a knife, and dried in the sun.
Saigon has a hot and sweet cinnamon flavor because of the high oil content in the bark. At one point, it was very challenging to find in the United States. You can often find Saigon cinnamon in baked dishes where cinnamon is the star, like cinnamon rolls.
Korintje cinnamon is also known as Cassia Cinnamon and is grown in Indonesia. The well-known, dependable flavor is bittersweet and similar to what you might find in cinnamon candies.
What are good recipes for Saigon Cinnamon?
Saigon cinnamon is a wonderful ingredient in many baking recipes. Some of our most popular include: apple pie, snickerdoodles, and ginger spice cookies.
What are good recipes for Korintje Cinnamon?
Korintje is especially popular in savory dishes that feature cinnamon. Here is a recipe for steamed rice using the spice as well as a braised meat dish.
Where can I learn more about the different types of cinnamon?
Check out our blog post on cinnamon where we outline the different types of cinnamon. You can also read this article: “did you know that there are different types of cinnamon?” from Bon Appetit.
Where can I buy Saigon cinnamon?
The Spice House carries Saigon Cinnamon. This is easily one of our most popular spices, give it a try!
Where to buy Korintje cinnamon?
We carry Korintje Cinnamon online on our website!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Saigon and Korintje cinnamon?
Saigon, from Vietnam, has a very strong, sweet and spicy aroma because its bark is high in essential oils. Korintje, an Indonesian cassia, has a more familiar, bittersweet profile that is milder and more consistent.
How do Saigon and Korintje taste differently?
Saigon tastes bold, sweet and peppery with a warm heat. Korintje is smoother, a bit bitter-sweet and more candy-like in flavor.
Which is better for baking or desserts?
Saigon is ideal when cinnamon is the star, for example in cinnamon rolls, snickerdoodles, and spiced pies. Korintje works well in general baking and pairs nicely in savory recipes.
Can I substitute one for the other in a recipe?
Yes. Because Saigon is stronger, start with about half to two thirds of the Saigon amount called for if swapping from Korintje, then adjust to taste. If switching from Saigon to Korintje, you may need a little more.
Are there any health concerns with these cinnamons?
Both Saigon and Korintje are cassia types and contain more coumarin than true Ceylon cinnamon. Small amounts used in cooking are fine, but limit large or daily high-dose use. Choose Ceylon if you plan frequent medicinal or supplement-level intake.
How can I tell Saigon and Korintje apart?
Smell is the quickest test. Saigon gives a powerful, sweet-spicy perfume and tastes hotter. Korintje smells milder and sweeter. Visually, Saigon bark and ground powder often look darker and oilier.
How should I store cinnamon and how long does it keep?
Keep cinnamon in an airtight container away from heat, light and moisture. Ground cinnamon stays best for about 6 to 12 months. Whole sticks keep flavor longer, roughly 1 to 2 years.
Where can I buy Saigon and Korintje cinnamon?
You can find both at specialty spice shops and many online retailers. The Spice House and similar spice merchants commonly stock Saigon and Korintje varieties.
What is the main difference between Saigon and Korintje cinnamon?
Saigon, from Vietnam, has a very strong, sweet and spicy aroma because its bark is high in essential oils. Korintje, an Indonesian cassia, has a more familiar, bittersweet profile that is milder and more consistent.
How do Saigon and Korintje taste differently?
Saigon tastes bold, sweet and peppery with a warm heat. Korintje is smoother, a bit bitter-sweet and more candy-like in flavor.
Which is better for baking or desserts?
Saigon is ideal when cinnamon is the star, for example in cinnamon rolls, snickerdoodles, and spiced pies. Korintje works well in general baking and pairs nicely in savory recipes.
Can I substitute one for the other in a recipe?
Yes. Because Saigon is stronger, start with about half to two thirds of the Saigon amount called for if swapping from Korintje, then adjust to taste. If switching from Saigon to Korintje, you may need a little more.
Are there any health concerns with these cinnamons?
Both Saigon and Korintje are cassia types and contain more coumarin than true Ceylon cinnamon. Small amounts used in cooking are fine, but limit large or daily high-dose use. Choose Ceylon if you plan frequent medicinal or supplement-level intake.
How can I tell Saigon and Korintje apart?
Smell is the quickest test. Saigon gives a powerful, sweet-spicy perfume and tastes hotter. Korintje smells milder and sweeter. Visually, Saigon bark and ground powder often look darker and oilier.
How should I store cinnamon and how long does it keep?
Keep cinnamon in an airtight container away from heat, light and moisture. Ground cinnamon stays best for about 6 to 12 months. Whole sticks keep flavor longer, roughly 1 to 2 years.
Where can I buy Saigon and Korintje cinnamon?
You can find both at specialty spice shops and many online retailers. The Spice House and similar spice merchants commonly stock Saigon and Korintje varieties.
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