Cinnamon Cassia (sticks)

Cinnamon sticks are obtained from the inner bark of trees from the genus Cinnamomum. Two types of cinnamon are available in India: Cinnamomum verum (referred to as Ceylon cinnamon) and Cinnamomum cassia (referred to as Chinese cinnamon). The more expensive Ceylon cinnamon, which has a mild and sweet taste, is more suited in baking and for desserts, and Chinese cinnamon, which has more of a spicy taste, is used in savoury dishes.

Cinnamon should be stored in an airtight glass container in a dark, cool place. Cinnamon sticks will stay fresh for about a year when stored like this, and even longer if the glass container is placed in a refrigerator.