What makes Ceylon Cinnamon Special? The Cinnamon Grades
Ceylon Cinnamon, known as “True Cinnamon” (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), is one of Sri Lanka’s most prized exports. Renowned for its delicate aroma, refined sweetness, and numerous health benefits, it is considered superior to other cinnamon varieties like Cassia. It is important to understand the cinnamon grades.
Unlike Cassia, which has a thick, rough texture and high coumarin content, Ceylon Cinnamon is distinguished by its thin, multi-layered quills, smooth texture, and low coumarin levels, making it the preferred choice for health-conscious consumers worldwide.
To maintain its purity and quality, Ceylon Cinnamon is graded according to SLS 81, the official Sri Lankan Standard, which categorizes cinnamon based on diameter, texture, and overall quality.
The Grading System of Ceylon Cinnamon
The SLS 81 grading system ensures that each quill meets strict quality standards. Cinnamon is classified based on its diameter (thickness), with thinner quills being of higher value.
Here’s a breakdown of the main Ceylon Cinnamon grades:
Alba | ≤ 6mm | The finest and thinnest cinnamon quills, with an ultra-smooth texture and delicate aroma. Highly valued in international markets.
C5 Special | 6 – 7mm | Premium quality cinnamon with a mild, sweet flavor, slightly thicker than Alba.
C5 | 7 – 9mm | High-quality quills with a smooth surface and refined aroma, widely sought after.
C4 | 9 – 11mm | A well-balanced grade with a slightly thicker appearance but still maintaining superior quality.
M5 | 11 – 13mm | Medium-grade cinnamon, offering a good balance between affordability and quality.
M4 | 13 – 16mm | Thicker quills, suitable for various culinary and industrial applications.
H1 & H2 | 16 – 32mm | Heavier, coarser cinnamon quills, often used in commercial cinnamon-based products.
Quillings | Mixed sizes | Small broken pieces of cinnamon quills, used for cinnamon powder and tea blends.
Chips | Mixed sizes | Rough cinnamon bark pieces, commonly used in oil extraction and industrial applications.
🌍 Why Cinnamon Grading Matters
Grading is crucial for maintaining consistency and quality in the global spice trade. It allows buyers to select the right cinnamon grade based on their needs—whether for culinary use, essential oil extraction, or pharmaceutical applications.
At True Cinnamon by Lalan, we take pride in producing GI-certified and FSC-certified Ceylon Cinnamon from our sustainable plantations, ensuring that every quill meets the highest standards.
✨ Discover the legend of True Cinnamon – Experience Purity & Excellence! ✨
