Cinnamon's appearance depends on whether you're looking at the whole spice (cinnamon sticks or quills) or the ground spice (cinnamon powder).
Cinnamon Sticks (Quills):
- Shape: Cinnamon sticks, also known as quills, are curled or rolled pieces of the inner bark of the cinnamon tree.
- Color: They range in color from light reddish-brown to a darker brown, depending on the variety and processing.
- Texture: They are typically brittle and can be easily broken or ground.
- Layers: You can see multiple thin layers of bark rolled together to form the stick. These layers are especially visible at the cut ends.
Ground Cinnamon (Powder):
- Texture: It's a fine, fluffy powder.
- Color: The color is usually a warm, medium-brown. However, the specific shade can vary based on the type of cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon is generally lighter than Cassia cinnamon.
In essence, cinnamon comes from the inner bark of a tree; when harvested, it is initially light in color and turns dark brown as it dries. Then, it is commonly ground into a powder.
