Buying guides

Original, editor-reviewed answers before you buy.

Ceylon vs. Cassia Cinnamon: Which Should You Buy?
Choose Ceylon cinnamon for a delicate, sweet flavor in drinks, custards and fine baking; choose cassia for a bold, spicy-sweet punch in cinnamon rolls, pies and rubs. Ceylon quills are soft and layered; cassia sticks are hard, single curls.
How to Store Spices So They Stay Fresh
Store spices sealed, cool, dark and dry. Whole spices keep their aroma for 2–3 years; ground spices for 6–12 months. Buy sizes you will use within that window and keep pouches away from the stove.