Good morning, Hive friends!
One of the world's most beloved spices, cinnamon, comes from the inner bark of the cinnamon tree, commonly known as "true cinnamon" or "Ceylon cinnamon." Although I have a few cinnamon trees growing in my small garden, only two were mature enough to be harvested for their bark. I personally harvested and processed them, and I would love to share my experience with you.
If you have a couple of cinnamon trees at home, this guide will help you process them correctly. While this process requires patience, the reward is a fragrant, high-quality spice that enhances both sweet and savory dishes. Stay with me as I walk you through the steps! 😊
I had a few cinnamon trees at home, and from them, I selected and cut down two mature trees.
remove the thin outer bark of the cinnamon tree, I used tool:
⚙️ To remove the thin outer bark of the cinnamon tree, a V-shaped knife is used.
⚙️ A blunt aluminum knife is used in the process.
⚙️ A brass rod.
Step-by-Step Process for Preparing Cinnamon Bark Selecting the Right Tree.....
Choose a mature cinnamon tree that is at least 10-12 months old. The best time to harvest cinnamon bark is during the wet season, as higher moisture levels help the bark peel off more easily. Cleaning the Tree Trim small branches and clean the tree to prepare it for peeling. Removing the Outer Bark. The rough outer layer of the bark is not used for consumption. Using a small knife or a scraper, carefully remove the outermost bark layer.
Peeling the Fragrant Inner Bark. Next, carefully cut the aromatic inner bark using a knife. Make precise vertical cuts along the branch to help separate the bark smoothly. Follow the steps shown below for an effective peeling process.
Peeling the Inner Bark .Next, to remove the inner bark smoothly, gently rub it with a brass rod to soften it. Then, make longitudinal cuts along the branch and carefully peel off the inner bark.
Finally, as the bark dries, it naturally curls into the familiar "cinnamon quills." To achieve the best quality, let the peeled bark dry in direct sunlight for several days until it becomes fully dry and brittle. Proper drying enhances its aroma, flavor, and shelf life, making it perfect for culinary and medicinal use. Enjoy your homemade, high-quality Ceylon cinnamon!
Thank you reading
Have A nice day.
Best Regards,
Samadi Madushanki .