What Tree Does Cinnamon Come From: The Complete Guide

Cinnamon comes from trees of the Cinnamomum genus, primarily Cinnamomum verum (true cinnamon or Ceylon cinnamon) and Cinnamomum cassia (cassia cinnamon). These evergreen trees produce the aromatic bark that becomes the spice we know as cinnamon when dried and processed.

Cinnamon has been treasured for thousands of years, but few people know exactly what tree does cinnamon come from. This fragrant spice originates from the inner bark of several tree species within the Cinnamomum genus, part of the Lauraceae family. Understanding the botanical source of cinnamon reveals why there are different types of this popular spice and how they vary in flavor, quality, and usage.

The Cinnamon Tree: Botanical Background

Cinnamon trees are tropical evergreen plants that thrive in specific climate conditions. The two primary species used for commercial cinnamon production are:

• Cinnamomum verum (formerly Cinnamomum zeylanicum) - Known as "true cinnamon" or Ceylon cinnamon
• Cinnamomum cassia - Commonly called cassia cinnamon or Chinese cinnamon

While both produce the spice we call cinnamon, they come from different tree species with distinct characteristics. Cinnamomum verum is native to Sri Lanka and southern India, while Cinnamomum cassia originates from southern China.

Ceylon Cinnamon vs. Cassia Cinnamon: Understanding the Difference

When researching what tree does cinnamon come from, it's essential to distinguish between the two main types:

Characteristic	Ceylon Cinnamon (C. verum)	Cassia Cinnamon (C. cassia)
Origin	Sri Lanka, India	China, Indonesia, Vietnam
Bark Structure	Multiple thin, delicate layers	Single thick, hard layer
Color	Light tan to medium brown	Dark reddish-brown
Taste Profile	Milder, sweeter, more complex	Stronger, spicier, more pungent
Coumarin Content	Very low (safe for regular consumption)	High (potential health concerns with regular large doses)

Ceylon cinnamon, often called "true cinnamon," forms delicate, multi-layered quills that resemble a cigar. Cassia cinnamon produces a single, thicker, harder quill. This structural difference affects both the flavor profile and culinary applications of each type.

Where Cinnamon Trees Grow

Cinnamon trees require specific tropical conditions to thrive. The ideal growing environment includes:

• Temperatures between 20-30°C (68-86°F)
• High humidity levels
• Well-drained, fertile soil
• Annual rainfall of 2,000-2,500 mm

Sri Lanka remains the world's largest producer of Ceylon cinnamon, accounting for approximately 80-90% of global production. Indonesia dominates cassia cinnamon production, followed by China and Vietnam. These geographical distinctions directly impact what tree does cinnamon come from in commercial products you find in stores.

The Cinnamon Harvesting Process

Understanding how cinnamon is harvested reveals why the tree's age and care matter. The process of obtaining cinnamon from Cinnamomum trees involves several precise steps:

1. Cultivation: Trees are grown for 2-3 years before the first harvest
2. Cutting: Mature branches are cut close to the ground
3. Peeling: The outer bark is removed, then the inner bark is carefully separated
4. Drying: The inner bark curls naturally as it dries, forming the familiar quills
5. Processing: Quills are cut to standard lengths and graded

The quality of cinnamon depends significantly on the harvesting technique and timing. Skilled workers can identify the optimal moment when the bark will separate cleanly from the wood, which directly affects the cinnamon's flavor and aroma.

Historical Significance of Cinnamon Trees

Cinnamon's history spans millennia, with ancient civilizations valuing it highly. Egyptian texts from 2000 BCE mention cinnamon, and it was so prized in ancient Rome that Emperor Nero allegedly burned a year's supply at his wife's funeral.

For centuries, the source of cinnamon was a closely guarded secret by Arab traders who spread tales of dangerous creatures guarding the trees. This mystery surrounding what tree does cinnamon come from contributed to its high value in medieval Europe, where it was worth more than gold by weight.

Identifying Cinnamon Trees

Cinnamomum trees share several distinctive characteristics that help identify them:

• Height: Typically grow 10-15 meters (33-49 feet) tall
• Leaves: Oval-shaped, 7-18 cm long, with a glossy green upper surface
• Bark: Smooth and grayish when young, becoming rougher with age
• Flowers: Small, white or greenish-yellow clusters
• Fruit: Small purple berries containing a single seed

The leaves of Cinnamomum verum have a distinctive triple-vein pattern that helps distinguish it from other species. When crushed, both leaves and bark emit the characteristic cinnamon aroma due to the essential oil cinnamaldehyde.

Modern Cinnamon Production

Today, cinnamon production combines traditional methods with modern quality control. Sri Lankan producers of Ceylon cinnamon maintain many traditional harvesting techniques while implementing food safety standards. The grading system for Ceylon cinnamon includes categories like:

• Alba (the highest grade, thinnest quills)
• Continental
• Extra Special
• Special
• Firsts
• Seconds

Each grade corresponds to the thickness and quality of the bark quills. Understanding these distinctions helps consumers identify authentic Ceylon cinnamon versus the more common cassia variety when shopping for products derived from what tree does cinnamon come from.

What is the scientific name of the cinnamon tree?

The primary cinnamon trees belong to the Cinnamomum genus. True cinnamon comes from Cinnamomum verum (formerly Cinnamomum zeylanicum), while the more common cassia cinnamon comes from Cinnamomum cassia.

Is cinnamon a tree or a plant?

Cinnamon comes from evergreen trees of the Cinnamomum genus. These are medium-sized trees that grow up to 10-15 meters tall in tropical climates and produce the aromatic bark that becomes the spice we know as cinnamon.

How long does it take for a cinnamon tree to produce usable bark?

Cinnamon trees typically require 2-3 years of growth before they can be harvested for their bark. The best quality cinnamon comes from trees that are 4-5 years old, when the bark contains optimal levels of essential oils for flavor and aroma.

Can you grow a cinnamon tree at home?

Yes, you can grow a cinnamon tree at home in suitable climates (USDA zones 9-11) or as a houseplant in cooler regions. Cinnamon trees require warm temperatures, high humidity, and well-drained soil. They grow slowly and may take several years before producing bark suitable for harvesting as spice.

Why is Ceylon cinnamon considered superior to cassia cinnamon?

Ceylon cinnamon (from Cinnamomum verum) is often considered superior because it has a more delicate, complex flavor, lower coumarin content (making it safer for regular consumption), and forms thinner, more fragile quills. Cassia cinnamon has a stronger, more pungent flavor and higher coumarin levels, which can be problematic with regular large consumption.