Halloween treats: Sweets without the crash with Ceylon cinnamon
Hui, the air is getting cooler, the nights longer, and somewhere behind the pumpkin faces you can already hear the rustling of candy bags. Halloween is just around the corner—the time of ghosts, goosebumps, and, of course, sweet abundance! An evening when reason tends to disappear into the depths of the candy bowl.
But wait! Before we plunge into a sugar coma that will leave us feeling like real zombies the next morning, there is a last-minute rescue. A small, inconspicuous spice that has been enchanting taste buds for thousands of years. A silent companion that doesn't turn our Halloween joys into a sugar low, but gently accompanies them.
Below, you'll learn how real Ceylon cinnamon can revolutionize your sweets and ensure that your Halloween celebration is not only spookily beautiful, but also really clever!
When the sugar rush becomes a haunting
Everyone knows the tradition: ghosts and vampires go from house to house demanding “trick or treat!” And at the end of the evening, the loot piles up on the living room table: a colorful mountain of gummy bears, chocolate, and lollipops. A feast for the soul, but a real challenge for the body!
This sugar excess often leads to the famous sugar crash that follows. The euphoria gives way to dizziness, fatigue, and bad moods [1]. But don't worry: there is a way to stand up to the sugar monster and enjoy the Halloween fun without the rude awakening.
The journey of noble Ceylon cinnamon: From bark to spice
To curb the sugar monster, we need a very special ally. Its story does not begin in a ghost train, but on a sunny island: Sri Lanka. The Ceylon cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum ceylanicum) grows there in the central highlands under ideal conditions [2]. The young shoots are carefully peeled by hand, almost like a fine parchment scroll. After drying in the sun, the wafer-thin bark curls up on its own into the familiar, delicate Ceylon cinnamon sticks [3]. Each individual stick is proof of quality, as it consists of many delicate layers – a characteristic that coarser types of cinnamon lack [4].
Not all cinnamon is the same – Ceylon vs. Cassia
Did you know? Most of the cinnamon you find in the supermarket is not actually “real” cinnamon. You could almost say it's a little trick from the spice rack. Many packages contain cassia cinnamon, also known as Chinese cinnamon [5]. It is the rustic, coarse brother of cinnamon – strong, inexpensive, and with such a dominant flavor that it overpowers any dessert [6, 3].
The real treasure, however, is Ceylon cinnamon: finer, more aromatic, and more subtle. Its mildly sweet profile with light citrus and floral notes makes it a variety that does not overwhelm food, but gently refines it [7].
Why the coumarin content determines whether it is enjoyable or scary
The key difference between the two cinnamon varieties lies in a substance called coumarin. Cassia cinnamon contains a lot of it, especially in high doses [8]. Ceylon cinnamon, on the other hand, contains only small amounts [9].
Why is this important? Coumarin can damage the liver if consumed regularly in large quantities [10]. The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has set a guideline value for this: for an adult weighing 60 kg, a safe amount is approximately 6 mg of coumarin per day [11]. Half a teaspoon of cassia cinnamon can already exceed this value [9]. With Ceylon cinnamon, on the other hand, you are on the safe side [12].
Cinnamon and its effects in everyday life
Cinnamon is not only a feast for the senses, but has also been a familiar part of herbal medicine for centuries [13]. Even small amounts are associated with beneficial properties [14].
The secret lies in the essential oils: substances such as cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and linalool [14]. Not only do they give Ceylon cinnamon its distinctive scent, they are also the reason why it is still so highly valued today. Traditions in various cultures even see it as a kind of “mood enhancer” that can accompany both body and mind – depending on how it is used, it can be invigorating or calming [15].
The faces of cinnamon: powder, capsules, tea
Cinnamon comes in many forms, each with its own unique character. Whether you want to bake, drink, or use cinnamon as a dietary supplement, there is a right variety for every purpose.
Cinnamon as powder and sticks
Most of us are familiar with this spice in the form of ground powder or decorative cinnamon sticks. Cinnamon powder is an all-rounder for quick cooking, ideal for baked goods, muesli, or to spice up a cup of coffee. Cinnamon sticks, on the other hand, are ideal for liquids such as tea or mulled wine, as they release their aroma more slowly and can be used several times [14].
Cinnamon capsules
Cinnamon capsules are also becoming increasingly popular as a practical dietary supplement. They offer an easy way to regularly consume the valuable plant substances in Ceylon cinnamon without the strong flavor in food. Capsules are a simple alternative, especially for those who do not want to stir cinnamon into their muesli or tea every day.
It is important to pay attention to the variety: products containing Ceylon cinnamon contain hardly any coumarin and are therefore the better choice [12]. This allows the special character of cinnamon to be conveniently integrated into everyday life – in a safe form and precisely dosed.
Cinnamon for your cup: Warm flavors for cozy evenings
When the wind picks up and darkness falls outside, there's nothing cozier than a hot cup of tea. And cinnamon is the secret star here! Simply add a Ceylon cinnamon stick to your black tea. The tea slowly absorbs the mild, sweet aroma and transforms your drink into a soothing, comforting, spicy embrace from within. Special cinnamon teas or spice blends often contain a harmonious composition of Ceylon cinnamon and other spices such as cardamom, cloves, or ginger [16].
Halloween without a sugar rush: The Ceylon strategy
Now we come to the heart of the matter: How do we use Ceylon cinnamon to celebrate Halloween properly without ending up with a sugar crash? It's simple!
The fragrant approach: Bake small apple slices that have been rolled in ground Ceylon cinnamon, or prepare warm pumpkin yogurt with a pinch of cinnamon.
The snack trick: Before you dive into the candy bowl, treat yourself to a filling base. Mandarins or almonds with a pinch of Ceylon cinnamon are the perfect foundation.
The sweet ritual: With a huge bowl of candy, it's easy to lose track of how much you're eating. A small portion mixed with a few nuts or dried apple pieces can help you enjoy your treats more consciously. A short evening walk afterwards will also make you feel good all round.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How can I tell the difference between cassia and Ceylon cinnamon when shopping?
Ceylon cinnamon is easy to recognize in whole sticks: it consists of several fine, rolled layers and appears more fragile. Cassia cinnamon, on the other hand, usually has only a thick, coarse bark. When buying powder, it is worth looking for the label “Ceylon” or “Cinnamomum verum” [17].
Is Ceylon cinnamon also suitable for children?
In small quantities, as typically found in desserts or beverages, Ceylon cinnamon is considered safe for children [18]. Cassia cinnamon should be avoided, especially for children, as they may be particularly sensitive to coumarin due to their lower body weight [19].
Why is organic quality particularly recommended for Ceylon cinnamon?
Organic quality guarantees that the cinnamon has been grown without the use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals [20]. This generally ensures a purer product that can develop its full aroma.
How can I recognize real Ceylon cinnamon when it is ground?
Ground Ceylon cinnamon is lighter brown than cassia cinnamon and has a finer, more floral scent. The smell of cassia cinnamon is often more intense and pungent [21].
What is the best way to store cinnamon so that it retains its aroma?
Always store cinnamon in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. This will preserve the aroma for longer and maintain the quality of the spice [22].
Are there any savory dishes that go well with Ceylon cinnamon?
Yes, Ceylon cinnamon goes very well with Oriental and Indian dishes. It is often used in curries, lamb or chicken stews, and couscous [7].
Sources
[1] Mayo Clinic – Reactive hypoglycemia
[2] JournalCRA – Ceylon cinnamon overview
[3] ScienceDirect – Cinnamon processing
[4] McCormick Science Institute – Cinnamon
[5] ScienceDirect – Cinnamomum cassia
[6] ScienceDirect – Sensory properties of cinnamon
[7] Oxford – Cinnamon flavor compounds
[8] PubMed – Coumarin content
[9] PMC – Cinnamon and coumarin
[10] ANSES – Coumarin caution
[11] BfR – FAQ on coumarin in cinnamon
[12] PMC – Ceylon vs. Cassia safety
[13] PubMed – Traditional use of cinnamon
[14] PMC – Cinnamon constituents & properties
[15] BMC Complement Med Ther – Cinnamon & mood
[16] PMC – Cinnamon in tea blends
[17] Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics – Cinnamon identification
[18] BfR – Coumarin FAQ (children)
[19] ScienceDirect – Coumarin toxicity
[20] PubMed – Organic spice quality
[21] PMC – Cinnamon authentication
[22] ResearchGate – Storage & aroma retention