Cinnamon sticks are harvested from the Cinnamomum tree, specifically species like Cinnamomum verum (Ceylon cinnamon). The process isn't simply a matter of picking sticks; it involves a specific cultivation technique.
The Cinnamon Growing Process
- Initial Growth: Cinnamon trees are initially grown as regular trees. After two to five years, they reach a point where harvesting can begin. [Source: Kew Gardens, Reddit, HowStuffWorks]
- Coppicing: The two-to-five-year-old trees are cut back to a stump. This process, known as coppicing, encourages the tree to regrow as a bush rather than a tall tree. [Source: Kew Gardens, HowStuffWorks, Reddit]
- Shoot Production: The coppicing stimulates the growth of numerous new shoots from the base of the cut tree. These shoots are the source of the cinnamon bark. [Source: Kew Gardens, HowStuffWorks, Reddit]
- Harvesting the Bark: These new shoots are harvested and stripped of their outer bark. Only the inner bark is used to make cinnamon. [Source: Kew Gardens, Reddit]
- Processing: The inner bark is then further processed, polished, stretched, layered, and hand-rolled into quills, which are then trimmed and dried. [Source: Kew Gardens, Reddit]
Environmental Needs
Cinnamon thrives in warm and humid environments. A climate averaging 80 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for healthy growth. [Source: The Spruce]
Commercial Production
Several countries, including Sri Lanka (the largest producer), Indonesia, China, and Vietnam, are major producers of cinnamon. [Source: Quora] While you can grow your own cinnamon plant, large-scale production requires specific techniques and climate conditions. [Source: Quora, Maddie Moate YouTube Video]
