ceylon cinnamon
Noun 1. A tropical Asian tree (Cinnamomum verum) with aromatic inner bark: This is the specific tree species native to Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) whose dried inner bark is harvested to produce the spice known as true cinnamon. 2. The spice obtained from this tree: The dried, aromatic bark of the Ceylon cinnamon tree, used as a spice. It is often considered a higher quality, sweeter, and more delicate cinnamon than other types, such as cassia.
Noun (referring to the tree):
- The plantation was filled with Ceylon cinnamon trees.
- True cinnamon comes from the Ceylon cinnamon.
Noun (referring to the spice):
- For this recipe, it's best to use Ceylon cinnamon rather than cassia.
- The subtle flavor of Ceylon cinnamon is perfect for desserts.
- As a modifier: The term is frequently used attributively to specify the type of cinnamon.
- She bought Ceylon cinnamon sticks for the mulled wine.
- The study compared the coumarin content in Ceylon cinnamon powder and cassia powder.
- Cinnamon (general term): The broader category of spice obtained from the bark of several trees from the genus .
- True cinnamon: A common synonym for Ceylon cinnamon, emphasizing its distinction from other types like cassia.
- Cinnamomum verum: The botanical/Latin name for the Ceylon cinnamon tree.
- Cassia: Refers to a different, more common, and often stronger-tasting type of cinnamon ().
- True cinnamon
- Sri Lankan cinnamon (geographic reference)
The term "Ceylon cinnamon" specifically denotes both the tree species (Cinnamomum verum) and the spice derived from it. Its key distinction lies in its origin (Sri Lanka/Ceylon) and its generally recognized superior quality compared to the more common "cassia" cinnamon, which is often simply labeled as "cinnamon" in many markets.
- tropical Asian tree with aromatic yellowish-brown bark; source of the spice cinnamon