Physical test: How to identify authentic Ceylon Cinnamon quills at home in 5 seconds
Too many consumers in Europe and North America get misled by supermarket labeling saying Pure Cinnamon when it is actually cheap Chinese or Indonesian Cassia. Here is the foolproof test: Look at the cross-section. True Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is composed of dozens of paper-thin layers rolled together like a fine Havana cigar, soft enough to crumble with your fingers. Cassia is a single, thick, rock-hard hollow tree bark that requires a hammer to break. Also, drop an iodine tincture on ground powder—Cassia turns deep blue-black due to high starch content, whereas true Ceylon barely reacts.