-inch stick cinnamon

Cinnamon stick, or quill, is the dried inner bark of the cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum verum, also known as Ceylon cinnamon, or Cinnamomum cassia, Cassia cinnamon), native to Sri Lanka and Indonesia. The bark is harvested, dried, and naturally curls into tubular quills as it loses moisture. True Ceylon cinnamon displays thin, papery layers and a complex flavor profile with citrus and floral notes, while Cassia cinnamon possesses a thicker, harder structure with a more robust, slightly bitter sweetness. Cinnamon sticks range from 2–4 inches in length and vary in diameter; their warm, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor derives from volatile oils including cinnamaldehyde, which comprises 60–90% of the essential oil.

Cinnamon sticks are used whole in beverages, braised dishes, and spiced preparations across global cuisines. In Indian cooking, they are a foundational component of garam masala and appear in rice pilafs, curries, and chai. Middle Eastern and North African cuisines feature them in tagines, rice dishes, and coffee. Western applications include mulled wine, hot chocolate, apple desserts, and baked goods. The sticks infuse liquids with flavor when simmered and can be removed before serving, or left whole as a garnish and stirrer. They pair well with warm spices like cloves and cardamom, and complement both savory and sweet preparations.