In addition to launching new products -and sending others to the underworld-, Mercadona tends to constantly renew its fixed range of basics, due to changes in suppliers or modifications to the packaging or formulations. It is the case of cinnamon, basic spice in any pantry, which the Valencian chain has now relaunched with two new formats, ground and on the branchbut with a notable difference in price.
To perceive this disparity in cost we have to look at the weight and the price per kilo, since it is where we clearly see that one of the boats is triggered with respect to the other. Have:
- Ground cinnamon: 180 g can €2.05 per unit, €11.389/kg.
- cinnamon stick: 70 g can €3.90 per unit, €55.715/kg.
Why it is better to buy the most expensive
The bottle of ground cinnamon has much more quantity and is much cheaper, but It is not the best option shopping. The reason is on the label, which, as always, we recommend reading with a magnifying glass.
And it is that the format of the ground spice is made with a mix Ceylon cinnamon and cinnamon cassia, without specifying the percentage of each. However, on the cinnamon stick label, “Ceylon Cinnamon” stands out clearly on the front. Both are made by Jesús Navarro SA, from Carmencita.
Although they are called the same, cassia cinnamon and Ceylon cinnamon are not the same variety. The first is the dried bark of the Chinese cassia tree (Cinnamomum cassia), and the second is the authentic cinnamon originally from Sri Lanka. is the more aromatic, balanced and subtle, with greater permanence and less aggressive. Cassia also has a substance called coumarin, which in large quantities can be toxic, although it is difficult for us to eat so much in one sitting. That of Ceylon is considered higher qualitybut it is much more expensive.
Another reason why it is more advisable to choose Ceylon cinnamon stick is that it will keep much better. The whole format, on the vine, maintains its organoleptic properties for longer, while the ground one experiences a notable decline in its aromas from the moment it is ground, and the process speeds up during storage.
Although it is more expensive, unless we usually use a large amount of cinnamon at home, we recommend always buying recently packaged cinnamon sticks; It will also be more versatile, since we can use the branch as it is -for example, to infuse the milk for the French toast-, and at the same time grind it at home at the moment we will obtain a much more intense aroma and flavor, with less quantity.
Bosch Hogar TSM6A013B – Electric coffee grinder, 180 W, capacity 75 grams, black color
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