Buy exceptional cinnamon sticks and powder
"A rigorous selection for culinary creations seeking excellence and authentic flavor."
I am Arnaud Sion
Spice hunter, founder of Comptoir de Toamasina and Apogée Bar
The Comptoir de Toamasina adventure began in 2010 with Madagascar vanilla. Trained in Brazil alongside chefs and pastry cooks, I have selected the best cinnamon for you with the finest aromatic potency. Brazilian cinnamon is my personal favorite for crafting signature cocktails at Apogée Bar.
Artisanal selection
I have selected the best cinnamon for you with the finest aromatic potency to delight the most demanding palates.
Cinnamomum verum
The gold standard: thin bark formed of multiple delicate layers with a sweet, floral, and fruity flavor profile.
Field expertise
Trained in Brazil with leading chefs, our founder selects cinnamon that elevates every recipe into a magical experience.
Choosing the best cinnamon: an everyday art
Selecting cinnamon is an art form, as this spice comes from diverse terroirs like Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Indonesia, India, and Brazil. There are two primary families of cinnamon:
Cassia or Chinese cinnamon is the most common. Its bark is thick, highly aromatic, and features intense woody notes.
"True cinnamon" produced in Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Brazil. Ideal for cinnamon milk and fine pastry work.
Whether you choose our ground powder or whole sticks, you enjoy a top-tier product. We believe cinnamon delivers a full taste experience, much like vanilla. Treat yourself to a unique flavor journey from small jars to bulk sizes.
Cinnamon sticks Madagascar
Cinnamon Powder from Madagascar
Where to buy Ceylon, Madagascar, and Brazilian cinnamon
Le Comptoir de Toamasina is a family business specializing in verum and cassia cinnamon. In our online store, you can buy cinnamon from Ceylon, Madagascar, Brazil, Burmani, and Indonesia to delight your palate.
I have selected the best cinnamon for you with the finest aromatic potency, traveling annually to producing countries to select only exceptional barks. Just like with our range of whole peppercorns, whole sticks remain the purest form for unleashing precious essential oils.
What is cinnamon? History and origin
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) comes from the reddish-brown bark of the cinnamon tree. Native to modern Sri Lanka and southern India, this prized spice served as royal currency in the 14th century. The name originates from Arabic amomin (fragrant plant) and the European term canella (small tube).
Known for over 2,500 years in China, it was brought to Europe in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers. Today, Indonesia and China lead world production, while in Brazil it grows in the Atlantic forest.
Difference between cassia and verum cinnamon
Telling them apart visually is simple: Ceylon cinnamon (verum) sticks consist of multiple thin, delicate layers rolled together like cigar leaves. Conversely, cassia cinnamon features a single, thick, hard bark layer.
True verum cinnamon is recommended for daily use because it contains virtually no coumarin (a compound that can be toxic to the liver in high doses), unlike cassia. Note that coumarin is also found in Brazilian tonka beans.
Our cinnamon varieties worldwide
Very close to Ceylon cinnamon, featuring a slightly peppier note. A true flavor gem.
Sweet, fruity, and floral notes. Very smooth on the palate with zero bitterness.
Warm, muscular notes perfect for savory dishes, stews, and marinades.
Arnaud Sion's favorite variety for flavoring signature cocktails at Apogée Bar.
Culinary and pastry uses
Cinnamon sticks excel in slow-cooked dishes (tajines, curries) and teas. Ground powder shines in baking, fruit desserts (apples, pears), chocolate, and mulled wine with star anise, cloves, and nutmeg.
10 recipe ideas by Arnaud Sion
Health benefits and storage
Cinnamon is recognized as a natural thermogenic food. It stores for up to 3 years in an airtight jar, kept away from light and moisture. Store it away from pungent spices like Timut pepper.
Discover also our cinnamon-flavored teas at the Tea House.