The cinnamon stick is a popular product that consumers love for its unique flavor and aroma. It is also associated with various health benefits that you might not be aware of.
Related: Cinnamon sticks in bulk: A promising industry
An overview of cinnamon stick
In this section, we will explore what cinnamon stick is and their unique characteristics as an agricultural product.
Defining cinnamon stick
Cinnamon sticks are made from the inner bark of the cinnamon tree. After removing its rough outer layer, workers will cut the inner cinnamon bark into smaller parts with a length of 15-20, can up to 30-40 centimeters, and let them dry naturally to form sticks whose diameter is 1 to 1,5 centimeters. The ideal thickness for the skin is from 1 to 2 mm, allowing the inner bark to curl into sticks and not break apart.
Defining cinnamon stick
The process of producing cinnamon stick
The process of harvesting and producing cinnamon sticks can be summarized as below:
- Step 1: Cinnamon barks will be harvested in the cinnamon trees’ eighth year. Workers will cut down the tree, remove the rough exterior to reveal the soft inner bark
- Step 2: Workers wash the inner bark, ensuring that it is intact and is not torn.
- Step 3: Cinnamon barks are cut into smaller parts with a width of 3.3 to 3.7 cm and length from 15 to cm.
- Step 4: Cinnamon barks are dried either under the sun or in a dryer. After this, they will curl up to form cinnamon sticks.
The process of producing cinnamon stick
Main varieties of cinnamon stick
There are two varieties of cinnamon stick: Cassia and Ceylon. They, respectively, come from the Cinnamomum cassia tree and the Cinnamomum verum tree. The two types of cinnamon can be easily differentiated by their physical appearance. Cassia is reddish or dark brown, while Ceylon is tan brown. Cassia is rough and thick, forming only a few layers when being rolled up. Meanwhile, Ceylon is papery and thin. When being rolled up, Ceylon cinnamon sticks create multiple layers.
- Cassia cinnamon stick
The cassia cinnamon stick is much more affordable and common commercially. It comes with a spicy-sweet flavor and a strong, warm aroma, leaving a unique aftertaste when consumed. In 2019, Vietnam became the largest Cassia exporter, with an export value of $175M. Cassia cinnamon sticks are imported by a large number of countries, from the USA to India, Bangladesh, and the UAE. Its reasonable price allows for such popularity.
Cassia cinnamon stick
- Ceylon cinnamon stick
Meanwhile, Ceylon cinnamon stick is rarer and costs much more than its Cassia counterpart. It is almost exclusively provided by Sri Lanka, since the country represented up to 85% of global Ceylon market share. The taste of Ceylon is more subtle with a sweet finish and soft aroma. Major importers of Ceylon are the USA and many South American countries like Peru, Ecuador, and Columbia, whose citizens prefer the softer flavor of Ceylon.
To summarize, the table below compares the two types of cinnamon stick:
| Cassia | Ceylon | |
| Color | Reddish-brown or dark brown | Tan brown |
| Texture | Rough and thick
Forming only a few layers |
Papery and thin
Forming multiple layers |
| Main supplier(s) | Indonesia, Vietnam, and China | Sri Lanka |
| Taste | Spicy-sweet and strong | Sweet, soft, and subtle |
| Applications | Cooking, healthcare, beauty care, etc | |
It is apparent that cinnamon stick, whether it belongs to the Cassia or Ceylon category, retains most of its health benefits and unique cinnamon flavor. Customers choose either Cassia or Ceylon based on their preferences of tastes, color, and budget.
The economic value of cinnamon stick
With the above practical values, it is no surprise that traders and businesses regard cinnamon sticks as a highly profitable good. Currently, the price for cinnamon stick is estimated at almost $5000 per ton and the cinnamon market is forecast to continue growing. A report by Mordor Intelligence stated that its volume, by 2024, will reach 0.25 million metric tons, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.21%.
The economic value of cinnamon stick
This prediction proves that cinnamon stick is an attractive investment for any business and it will remain a key export product of the international market in the future.
Comparing stick cinnamon with tube and cigarette cinnamon
Similar to other cinnamon products, cinnamon stick is characterized by its strong, warm, and spicy cinnamon taste, with a citrusy note. However, due to their similar shapes, cinnamon stick can be confused with cinnamon tubes and cigarettes. These products can be distinguished by their lengths. This difference mostly stems from the varying demands in terms of appearances by different importing markets.
| Type | Lengths |
| Cinnamon stick | Typically from 15 to 20 centimeters (up to 30-40cm) |
| Cinnamon tube | 40 to 45 centimeters |
| Cinnamon cigarette | 8 to 10 centimeters |
Comparing stick cinnamon with tube and cigarette cinnamon
It is important to note that a cinnamon stick has a slightly lower essential oil content than a tube, so its price is also a bit cheaper. All three products are imported by a lot of regions. The USA, European countries, as well as Japan and South Korea, have strict demands concerning product quality and certificates. Meanwhile, countries in the Middle East and Africa impose fewer standards. In return, they are more concerned with buying at a low price.
Cinnamon stick in our daily lives
Cinnamon sticks are prevalent with a growing number of consumers. It makes a great condiment and enhances our physical and mental well-being. Therefore, it is becoming an attractive option for traders and retailers.
The common ways cinnamon stick is used in cooking
The cinnamon stick is a flavoring component in both savory and sweet dishes of many cuisines. Famous foods that rely on the flavor of cinnamon range from Scandinavian pastries, Indian curries, Mexican spice mixes, and Vietnamese pho. Apple pies and snickerdoodles are other dishes that involve the use of cinnamon sticks.
Here are some creative ways people integrate cinnamon stick recipe in their foods and drinks:
- Use a cinnamon stick as a stirring stick in tea, coffee, and cocktails
- Break down a cinnamon stick and infuse it in a coffee or teapot
- Put a cinnamon stick into a bowl of oatmeal
- Add flavor to meat and vegetable broth with a cinnamon stick
- Marinate meat with a cinnamon stick, or include it when cooking meat with a slow cooker
The common ways cinnamon stick is used in cooking
Cinnamon sticks, as we can see, are extremely useful in cooking. Its strong and warm flavor complements different dishes and helps them become much more enjoyable.
The impressive health benefits of stick cinnamon
Cinnamaldehyde creates a unique smell and flavor for cinnamon sticks, and it is believed to be highly beneficial for consumers’ health.
- Improves oral health: Cinnamaldehyde can prevent fungus and bacteria, hence reducing oral infections, tooth decay, and preventing bad breath.
- Helps lower blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity
- Cinnamon sticks are loaded with antioxidants that can have anti-inflammatory effects.
- The cinnamon stick is capable of reducing cholesterol levels and blood pressure, thus preventing the risk of heart disease
- A small dose of cinnamon is beneficial for people having digestive problems, according to researchers at RMIT University School of Engineering, Australia.
The impressive health benefits of stick cinnamon
Due to their impressive capability in improving our health, cinnamon sticks have become an essential item in almost every household.
Top 3 best exporters of cinnamon stick
Wholesalers, for example, your favorite local shop, may choose their cinnamon stick supplies from the following companies due to their excellent reputation as exporters.
K-Agriculture
Based in Vietnam, K-Agriculture is one of the best Vietnamese agricultural product suppliers. With an experienced workforce and modern manufacturing lines, K-Agriculture guarantees to supply the finest Cassia cinnamon stick. Their products are loved by customers from the USA, as well as countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
K-Agriculture
Contact information:
WhatsApp: +84855 555 837
Email: info@k-agriculture.com
Website: https://k-agriculture.com/
Virgin Cinnamon
Coming from Sri Lanka, this is one of the best-known cinnamon-exporting companies in the country. They provide a wide range of Ceylon cinnamon products, including Ceylon cinnamon sticks that are carefully packed and inspected. Virgin Cinnamon is appreciated by their clients from the USA and Europe for their competent supporting staff and experienced managers.
Virgin Cinnamon
Jining Sunagro Trad
Jining Sunagro Trad is considered a prestigious cinnamon exporter in China. The company’s Cassia cinnamon stick is for both domestic use and foreign markets, such as Africa, the Middle East, and North Europe. It is also known for being certified by ETI, SGS, and GRASP.
Jining Sunagro Trad
To conclude, the cinnamon stick is a greatly popular agricultural good with a unique flavor and amazing benefits for our wellness. If you are interested in buying this product, K-Agriculture is the provider that you need. Contact them via:
Phone: +84855 555 837 (Whatsapp Available)
Website: k-agriculture.com
Email: info@k-agriculture.com
