Cassia and Cinnamon both come from the bark of a tree that is a member of the laurel family. To produce cinnamon, the tree's bark is harvested, dried and fermented, then its outer layer is removed. As it dries, the inner bark curls into thin strips, or quills.
Cassia is harvested in a similar process as cinnamon, but it has a stronger flavor. Real cinnamon sticks or quills curl in a telescopic form, in a perfect circle. But, cassia sticks curl inward from both sides, appearing like a scroll.
