Ceylon Cinnamon – Origin, Benefits & Culinary Uses

Ceylon Cinnamon: the noble spice of Sri Lanka, combining sweetness, health and expertise

Ceylon cinnamon , also called "true cinnamon" ( Cinnamomum verum ), is one of the most precious and refined spices in the world. Native to Sri Lanka, it is known for its sweetness , subtle fragrance and therapeutic benefits . At Lokayah , we offer you exceptional Ceylon cinnamon, hand-harvested, slowly dried and available in several sizes , suitable for all culinary and medicinal uses.

Sri Lankan origin and craftsmanship

Ceylon cinnamon comes from the inner bark of the cinnamon tree, a tropical tree grown primarily in southern Sri Lanka, particularly around Matara , Galle , and Ratnapura . Harvesting it is based on ancient craftsmanship : the branches are cut by hand, the bark is removed in thin layers, rolled by hand, and then dried naturally in the shade.

This slow, artisanal method produces light, crumbly, golden ochre-colored sticks with a warm, sweet, slightly lemony aroma.

👉 Discover our Lokayah Ceylon cinnamon

Health benefits

Ceylon cinnamon has been recognized since ancient times for its medicinal properties. Used in Ayurvedic, Chinese, and traditional European medicine, it offers digestive, circulatory, and metabolic benefits. Here's a look at its most notable properties:

Regulates blood sugar levels

It is particularly suitable for people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, as it helps stabilize blood sugar levels. It improves insulin sensitivity and slows glucose absorption after meals.

Promotes digestion

A digestive tonic, it stimulates the appetite, aids digestion, and limits intestinal fermentation that causes bloating and gas. It is useful in cases of nausea, indigestion, or sluggish bowel movements.

Natural anti-inflammatory

Thanks to its high cinnamaldehyde content, it helps relieve inflammatory pain, particularly muscular or joint pain. It is also used to soothe sore throats and mild respiratory ailments.

Antibacterial and antifungal

It has a powerful disinfectant action which limits the proliferation of bacteria and fungi, particularly in the mouth and digestive system.

Powerful antioxidant

It contains polyphenols which protect cells from premature aging and strengthen the immune system against external aggressions.

Source: Valmont Herbalist

How to use Ceylon cinnamon?

Ceylon cinnamon is very versatile . It can be used:

In infusion , with hot water, tea or vegetable milk
In desserts : compotes, cakes, biscuits, brioches, rice pudding
In sweet and savory dishes : tagines, curries, chutneys
To flavor coffee or hot chocolate

Before use, you can break a stick into pieces or grind it into powder in a spice grinder.

👉 See our cinnamon-based recipes

Ceylon cinnamon sizes: what are the differences?

At Lokayah, we offer several grades of cinnamon, which correspond to the thickness, fineness, and sorting level of the sticks. This classification, inherited from local practices in Sri Lanka, allows us to meet different uses:

Caliber "Alba"

The finest, rarest, and sweetest. Highly aromatic, it stands out for its extreme finesse and almost crumbly texture. Ideal for infusions, fine desserts, and gourmet cuisine.

“C5 Special” or “C5 Extra” caliber

High quality, with a great balance between flavor, texture, and price. Perfect for everyday use in cooking and drinking.

"Quillings" caliber

Fragments or pieces of bark from rolling whole sticks. More irregular, they are perfect for decoctions, macerations, or homemade powder.

Ceylon Cinnamon vs Cassia: Not to be confused

The most common commercial cinnamon is cassia ( Cinnamomum cassia ), which is thicker, darker, and has a more pungent taste. It also contains a high coumarin content.

Ceylon cinnamon , lighter, finer and more complex, is considered the best quality available in the world . It is also the only one recommended for regular or medicinal use.

In conclusion

Ceylon cinnamon is much more than a spice: it is a symbol of excellence , a bridge between tradition and well-being. Its delicate fragrance, its recognized virtues and the richness of its origin make it a treasure to (re)discover.

At Lokayah , we are committed to offering you cinnamon from responsible sources, cultivated with care and respect, for gourmet, sensory and natural use.

👉 Order our Ceylon cinnamon

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For lovers of rare moments

We all have someone in our circle who says they lack nothing.

For these people, mead is a pleasant surprise, a sweet, forgotten drink that evokes nature, time, and tradition.

Made from 40% pure local honey from Walloon Brabant, produced through the passionate work of Belgian beekeepers, our mead is best enjoyed chilled, alone or with others, to accompany quiet evenings or reunions.

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