CINNAMON

Botanical Name

Cinnamomum verum

The "True Cinnamon" or Sri Lankan Cinnamon is the dried inner stem bark of Cinnamomum Verum. Cinnamon plants are grown as bushes. When the plants are of two years age, they typically measure at about 2 meter in high and 8-12 cm at the base. It is at this stage they are ready for harvesting. 
Cinnamomum verum is mostly cultivated in Sri Lanka, Malagasy Republic and Seychelles. It has originated in the central hills of Sri Lanka. In India, it is grown in one or two locations in Kerala. Cinnamon is a hardy plant and is cultivated in Sri Lanka under varying conditions ranging from semi dried to wet zone conditions.

Cinnamon differs both physically and chemically to Cassia. Ceylon Cinnamon, referred to as both sweet cinnamon and True Cinnamon, is considered superior to the variety known as Cassia a cheaper and inferior product. Cinnamon quills, with standard lengths and diameters are made out of Ceylon Cinnamon - grown and manufactured solely in Sri Lanka. Ceylon Cinnamon is categorized into four major grades - Alba, Continental, Mexican and Hamburg based on the diameter of the quill, where the most expensive (Alba) has a 6 mm diameter quill.