CINNAMON OR TRUE CINNAMON - Intercom Exports

4* Phloem ray width
5* Distance between sclerenchyma islands
6* Presence of phloem fibres
7* Presence of oil globules
8* Presence of raphides
9* Phloem ray frequency
10* Presence of other crtstalline inclusions
+ very sparse
++ frequent
+++ very frequent
- Absent
ECONOMICS OF CULTIVATION
Though cinnamon may start yielding from the fourth or fifth year, economic
yields are obtainable only from the tenth year. During the intervening period, however,
the plantation may maintain by itself or provide a marginal income to the grower. The
estimated expenditure in bringing up 1 ha of plantation to the tenth year is roughly Rs,
20000/- . the expenditure, thereafter will be about Rs., 5000/- per annum. On the basis of
an average yield of 250 kg of quills and 35 kg of leaf oil, the estimated gross income will
be Rs., 10000/- per hectare per annum.
PRODUCTS AND END USES
The 4 cinnamon sps., of importance in international trade are C.verum and cassias
from C.cassia, C.burmanii and C.loureirii. the dried barks of all 4 sps., are widely used as
flavouring agents; and, in addition, they are utilized to a varying extent for the distillation
of their bark oil and for the preparation of solvent extracted oleoresins.
The second class of products are the essential oils obtained by distillation of the
leaves of C.verum [cinnamonum leaf oil] and from the distillation of leaves and twigs of
C.cassia [ the cassia oil of commerce]. A small volume trade also exists in ‘cassia buds’,
the dried immature fruits of C.cassia, which are also used as a spice.