In the United States, cinnamon is a popular flavor in many different types of foods and candies. Many Americans, however, are unaware that often what they call “cinnamon” is actually a more toxic spice called “cassia.” Some argue that the American public should not only be informed about this widespread misconception, but should also fight for legislation to regulate the industrial use of cassia. On the other hand, because cassia is cheaper and more accessible than cinnamon, and is only harmful if consumed in large quantities, cassia should still be distributed in the United States instead of “real cinnamon.” Furthermore, “canel”, a spice mentioned in ancient recipe books, can be either cassia or cinnamon, but it is almost impossible to determine its identity due to the confusion caused by the surprising similarity between cassia and cinnamon. Cassia, cinnamomum aromaticum, is significantly similar in appearance to "true cinnamon," cinnamomum verum, which is why many Americans don't realize that what appears to be cinnamon is actually cassia. However, there are several nuances that could allow a person to differentiate the two spices. Cassia is dark brown in color, with a dense, hard exterior. It has a sour aroma, tastes flat and is hollow. True cinnamon, on the other hand, is light brown in color with a thin, soft exterior. It has a delicate aroma, has a sweet flavor and is full like a cigar. While there is a clear similarity between cassia and cinnamon, one has to be “the better spice.” Dating back to the 2nd century AD, Galen stated that the higher quality cassia differs so little from lower quality cinnamon that the former can be substituted for the latter, provided double the weight is used. In other words, cassia ...... middle of the paper ......pg=PA1048&dq=why+is+cinnamon+more+precious+than+cassia&source=bl&ots=6H0flmM6CB&sig=T3N_WJwu8H7bPVIeDvJ_c4xSB3s&hl=en&ei=jBnQTrrqIOTa0QHOqoCSBQ&sa=X&oi= book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CCsQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=why%20is%20cinnamon%20more%20valuable%20than%20cassia&f=false>.Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. Pharmaceutical Journal: A weekly record of pharmacy and allied sciences. Third series, volume XXIV. Bloomsbury Square, WC: 1894. 26 November 2011.AAAMAAJ&pg=PA1048&lpg=PA1048&dq=why+is+cinnamon+more+value+than+cassia&source=bl&ots=6H0flmM6CB&sig=T3N_WJwu8H7bPVIeDvJ_c4xSB3s&hl=en& ei=jBnQTrrqIOTa0QHOqoCSBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CCsQ6AEwAw #v=onepage&q=cassia&f=false>.Uses of Cassia. Shyam Net. India: 2011. 26 November 2011.ala.com/usesofcassia.html>.