In the United States, cinnamon is a popular flavor in many types of foods and candies. However, many Americans are unaware that what they call "cinnamon" is actually a more toxic spice called "cassia." Some would argue that the American public should not only be informed of this widely held misconception, but also should fight for legislation regulating the industrial use of cassia. On the other hand, since cassia is cheaper and more accessible than cinnamon, and is only harmful when consumed in large quantities, cassia should always be distributed in place of cinnamon. “real cinnamon” in the United States. Additionally, "canel", a spice mentioned in old recipe books, may be either cassia or cinnamon, but its identity is almost impossible to determine due to confusion caused by the striking similarity between cassia and cinnamon. Cassia, cinnamomum spiceum, is significantly similar in appearance to “real cinnamon,” cinnamomum verum, which is why many Americans do not 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, with a thick, hard exterior appearance. It has a harsh aroma, a flat taste and is hollow. Real cinnamon, on the other hand, is light brown with a fine, soft exterior appearance. It has a delicate aroma, a sweet taste and is filled like a cigar. Although there is a clear resemblance between cassia and cinnamon, it has to be “the better spice”. Dating from the 2nd century AD, Galen stated that the finest cassia differs so little from the lowest quality cinnamon that the former can be substituted for the latter, provided double weight is used. In other words, cassia...... middle of paper ......pg=PA1048&dq=why+is+cinnamon+more+valid+than+cassia&source=bl&ots=6H0flmM6CB&sig=T3N_WJwu8H7bPVIeDvJ_c4xSB3s&hl=en&ei=jBnQTrrqIOTa0QHOqoCSBQ&sa= X & oi = book_result & ct = result & resnum = 4 & ved = 0cccsq6aewaw#v = onepage & q = why%20is%20Cinnamon%20more%20 Valuable%20than%20cassia & f = False>. Pharmaceutical Review: A weekly account of pharmacy and allied sciences. Third series, volume XXIV. Bloomberg qIOTa0QHOqoCSBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved= 0CCsQ6AEwAw #v=onepage&q=cassia&f=false>.Uses of Cassia. Shyam Net. India: 2011. November 26, 2011.ala.com/usesofcassia.html>.