Cinnamon (cassia)
Spices
Also known as: Chinese cinnamon, cassia cinnamon, guìpí, false cinnamon
桂皮 guì pí • Chinese cinnamon (Cassia) is the variety that comes from the Cinnamomum cassia / aromaticum tree. It has thick, coarse, bark-like sticks that are stronger and more pungent than delicate Ceylon cinnamon. Cassia bark holds up well during long cooking times in heavy braises and stews without losing its flavor.
- Where to find it
- Anywhere; being cheaper than Ceylon cinnamon, it is usually sold as such, hence the nickname of "*fake cinnamon*". Just notice the thicker and harder bark in a hollow roll.