Saigon cinnamon, also known as Vietnamese cinnamon, is highly valued for its intense sweet taste and pungent fragrance. It is often preferred by cooks to enhance savory dishes. However, buyers should be aware of imposters and look for authentic sources.
Saigon cinnamon is a common trade term for Vietnamese cinnamon. It’s not grown anywhere near Saigon – it comes from the bark of a tree native to the mountains of central and northern Vietnam. The misnomer moniker is commonly attributed to Saigon, as it is the largest and best-known city in Vietnam.
For cinnamon enthusiasts, based on its taste or aroma, Saigon cinnamon is often the best choice. It is generally considered the best cinnamon in the world based on its high oil concentration, which provides its pungent fragrance and intense, sweet taste. The oil concentration is reportedly so high in Saigon cinnamon that a stick of it sparkles when exposed to a flame.
Cinnamon is commonly considered to have a subtle sweetness that is normally overwhelmed by a bitter spiciness. Vietnamese cinnamon is generally so sweet that it can be eaten like a candy, and its spiciness is often judged to be full-bodied without a hint of bitterness. It is often preferred by cooks to enhance savory dishes such as meats, soups and stews.
The fresh bark of Vietnamese cinnamon trees is usually enjoyed by local children who wait for the farmers to come down from the mountains with the harvest. They reportedly chew on the soft bark, which actually resembles candy with its brown-colored interior and slightly speckled exterior. The taste of the bark is regularly compared to that of commercially produced hot candies.
Buyers of Saigon Cinnamon are normally warned to be aware of imposters. Some merchants reportedly mix in inferior cinnamon strains to boost their profits. Purchasing cinnamon in the traditional long strips of curled bark instead of chips is recommended as a deterrent to buying substandard varieties.
For those with sophisticated palates, tasting cinnamon easily distinguishes the Vietnamese variety from others. If it doesn’t have the sweetness of hot candy, it probably isn’t authentic Vietnamese cinnamon. Savvy buyers of the spice often recommend that shoppers in the Vietnamese market pretend they know the difference between cinnamon to encourage sellers to bring in the good stuff from the back.
If Saigon Cinnamon is purchased outside of Vietnam, consumers are advised to look for a seal or other proof of authenticity before purchasing. It is generally recommended that you deal with a reputable spice merchant. Bulletin boards and online chat rooms devoted to culinary topics can often provide reliable Internet sources from which to purchase authentic Vietnamese cinnamon.
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