Key facts
| Hindi name | Dalchini |
|---|---|
| Also called | Taj |
| Flavour | Sweet and woody. Most "dalchini" sold in India is cassia, which is stronger and thicker than true cinnamon. |
| Heat | No heat |
| Sold as | Bark (sticks), ground |
| Stays fresh | Whole: 1 year, ground: 6 months · check your jars |
| Best substitute | Cassia and true cinnamon can replace each other; use a little less cassia. |
| Used in | 12 of our blends and 7 of our dishes |
How to use it
A small piece goes into pulao, biryani, meat curries and garam masala.
- A 2 to 3 cm piece is enough for most dishes.
- Cassia bark is thick and hard; true cinnamon is thin and rolled in layers.
Substitute
Cassia and true cinnamon can replace each other; use a little less cassia.
Storage
Sticks keep for a year or more; ground cinnamon about six months.
True cinnamon comes mainly from Sri Lanka; cassia from China, Indonesia and Vietnam.
Pairs well with
Dishes that use cinnamon and cassia
Blends with cinnamon and cassia
Garam masala (Punjabi style)
North India
The best-known Indian spice mix: warm, aromatic and only mildly hot. Every household has its own version; thi…
Tandoori masala
North India
A brick-red blend made for marinades; the colour comes from Kashmiri chilli rather than heat.
Biryani masala
Hyderabad and Lucknow
A fragrant blend with more floral spices than garam masala: mace, nutmeg, star anise and rose.
Chettinad masala
Tamil Nadu
A peppery, aromatic blend from the Chettinad region, with stone flower and kapok buds.
Kashmiri masala (ver style)
Kashmir
Kashmiri Pandit cooking relies on fennel, dry ginger and Kashmiri chilli rather than onion and garlic.
Curry powder (British-Indian style)
Britain
Curry powder is a British invention: Indian cooks rarely use one blend for everything, but it is handy and wi…
Frequently asked questions
What is cinnamon and cassia called in Hindi?
Dalchini. Also known as Taj.
What can I use instead of cinnamon and cassia?
Cassia and true cinnamon can replace each other; use a little less cassia.
How long does cinnamon and cassia keep?
Sticks keep for a year or more; ground cinnamon about six months.
Tips from travellers
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