High Quality Cassia: Spice from Vietnam
We are HAVIGO, a business that specializes in exporting agricultural products. We have been exporting premium spice products, including cassia cinnamon, at the most competitive price on the market. Let’s explore one of our top-selling spices in this post: high quality Vietnamese cassia.
1. Cassia Cinnamon exported from Vietnam
Vietnamese cinnamon has been exported to nearly 100 countries worldwide. It accounts for 95% of the Indian market, 36.5% in the United States, and 35% in Europe. In 2023, Vietnam exported nearly 90,000 tonnes of cinnamon and earned more than 260 million USD, a 14.6% increase in volume. Vietnam has long been the leading exporter of cassia to major markets such as India, the United States, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and South Korea.
Yen Bai – The homeland of premium Cassia
Vietnamese cassia cinnamon originated in the lush landscapes of Southeast Asia, particularly in Vietnam. It is well known to thrive in the northern province of Yen Bai. This province dominates cassia production, accounting for 70% of Vietnam’s total growing area and export volume.
Van Yen district, located in the northern part of Yen Bai province, has 75% of its land covered by forest. The mountainous landscape and climate here are ideal for growing cassia cinnamon trees. Surprisingly, the Dao minorities have been the primary growers of these cinnamon trees in the region. Whereas Yen Bai is cassia’s homeland, Van Yen district serves as the heart of the entire growing region!
2. How to process high-quality Yen Bai Cassia
The ethnic minorities have a rich tradition of growing cassia. Cassia gardens are often passed down from generation to generation, serving as both a gift and a financial resource.
Cassia has two primary harvesting seasons: spring (March to May) and late summer (August to October). Farmers wait until the bark becomes loose from the wood inside before harvesting. They can choose to cut down entire trees (white harvest) or selectively remove bark while keeping the trees alive (a common practice).
Processing steps:
Step 1 – Harvesting: The cassia cinnamon tree is ready for harvesting 8-10 years after planting, however, 15 years is ideal for the best quality. Farmers will cut off branches and fall the entire tree. Farmers typically harvest cinnamon twice a year, right after the rainy season, as humidity causes the bark to peel off more easily.
Step 2 – Processing: Manual processing can account for up to 60% of the total cost of cinnamon production. Using a sharp knife, skilled workers peel the rough outer bark away to reveal the soft inner bark inside. Different final products will require additional steps during the cinnamon production process.
Step 3 – Drying: The removed barks, known as quills. These parts will be dried in the shade for four to five days to prevent them from losing shape. Later, they will be exposed to sunlight until completely dry.
Step 4 – Grading: Inside factories, workers grade cinnamon based on its thickness, appearance, and essential oil content.
Step 5 – Cutting & Grinding: Cut cinnamon bark to appropriate lengths for different types. For example, tube cinnamon measures 30 to 45 centimeters long, whereas cigarette cinnamon measures only 8 to 10 centimeters. In cases where the final product is powder form, the barks will be ground into a fine powder.
There are many kinds of cassia such as whole tube, split, stick, cigarette, broken, pressed…
Step 6 – Packing: Pack cinnamon quills in moisture-proof bags or carton boxes to prevent breakage.
Yen Bai’s sustainable approach to cassia production emphasizes quality, environmental consciousness, and community heritage.
3. Characteristics of Vietnam Cassia Cinnamon
Vietnam cinnamon has distinct qualities in terms of flavor, aroma, and quality because it is grown in Yen Bai province. It smells strongly of nutmeg and clove. Its spicy and sweet aroma is incredibly alluring. Additionally, Yen Bai cinnamon has a rich, robust flavor with warm, spicily sweet notes that set it apart from other varieties. It is a valued spice for culinary creations because it lingers on the palate.
The exceptional quality of Yen Bai cassia is a result of its sustainable farming methods. Its thick bark with deep ridges and dark brown color set it apart from other varieties of cinnamon. For this reason, Yen Bai cassia is consistently regarded as the world’s best cassia cinnamon.
4. Kind of Cassia Cinnamon in Vietnam
Premium Whole Tube Cassia
Long, uncut pieces of cinnamon bark that have been peeled from cassia trees with more than 12 years make up whole tube cinnamon. It is between 25 and 45 cm long and has a thickness of more than 4 mm. It appears dark reddish-brown as well. Because of its intact form, it provides the strongest flavor profile and aroma. Whole tubes therefore have the longest shelf life. People use whole tube cassia to extract cassia oil or make cassia powder because of its high oil content. Depending on the needs of the consumer, there are two primary varieties of whole tube cassia: bark and barkless.
High quality Split Cassia
To make split cinnamon, farmers cut whole tubes from six or eight-year-old cassia trees lengthwise into halves or quarters. Compared to whole tubes, this method produces a more intense flavor because it reveals more of the inner bark. It has a thickness of 0.6 to 1.8 mm and a length of 25 to 45 cm. The flavor intensity and usefulness of split cinnamon are balanced. Its shape enables it to infuse dishes in shorter cooking times, despite the fact that it is still rather large.
Good quality Stick Cassia
Stick cinnamon is a popular kind of cassia but in a roll form. The reason is people dry them to get the roll form. The same as whole tube cassia, people use bark from above 12-year-old trees to make this kind. Stick cinnamon cassia has a diameter of 1.8cm and a deep dark red-brown color with a length of 20 – 45 cm. It also offers a roll percentage between 75 – 90%. These rolls offer a middle ground between the strong impact of whole tubes and the ease of use of ground cinnamon. Stick cassia is perfect for everyday use and people can add it to curries, stir-fries, and poaching liquids for a touch of warm cinnamon flavor. Besides, it is the main material for making the below kinds: cigarette cassia.
Top quality Cigarette Cassia
The name “cigarette cinnamon” comes from the fact that it resembles thin, tightly curled cigarettes. It is stick cassia in a shorter form. Its length ranges from 6 to 20 cm because it is cut from stick cinnamon. These little rolls of split cinnamon have a powerful flavor and are perfect for quick cooking or when you want a hint of cinnamon. Vietnamese people frequently use it for pho because of its delicate nature; the short simmering time adds a hint of cinnamon without overpowering the delicate broth.
Good price Broken Cassia Cinnamon
It is a product of the process of making cinnamon cassia. Because they come from different types of cinnamon, these pieces can differ in size. For instance, the residue from cutting stick cassia is undoubtedly smaller than that from peeling cassia bark. It still contains a lot of oil, though. When it comes to grinding cinnamon powder or adding it to spice blends, broken cinnamon is the most cost-effective choice. Additionally, this is how farmers utilize every part of priceless cassia trees.
Cassia Cinnamon Powder
People make cassia powder (ground cassia) from whole tube or broken cassia. It is the most convenient form and readily releases its flavor. However, this also means that powdered cinnamon loses its potency faster than other forms. Powder cinnamon is best for baking applications, sprinkling on dishes for a finishing touch, or incorporating it into spice rubs.
5. Health benefits of Cassia Cinnamon
Let’s go deeper into the detailed health effects of the two above compounds:
Blood sugar management: Cassia contains a high content of hydroxychalcone. It may improve insulin sensitivity, helping your body utilize blood sugar more effectively. This could be particularly beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Anti-inflammatory: Additionally, cassia cinnamon also demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties due to the eugenol compound. Chronic inflammation is related to various health problems. The anti-inflammatory compounds in cassia may help reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Beyond these two key areas, Vietnamese cassia cinnamon shows promise in supporting brain function, antibacterial & antimicrobial, and even oral health.
6. Tips for buying high-quality Cassia Cinnamon
The appearance
Color: The ideal reddish-brown color of cassia cinnamon is a result of its natural oils. The oils are the element affecting the spicy flavor of cassia. A darker, richer color often indicates higher quality and freshness.
Texture: High-quality cassia cinnamon sticks should be smooth and intact. Cracks or splinters might show that the cinnamon has been damaged during processing or storage.
The aroma of Cassia Cinnamon:
Intensity of scent: The intensity of the aroma is a good indicator of the cinnamon’s quality and freshness. High-quality cassia cinnamon always offers strong warm, sweet, and slightly spicy aroma. So, avoid buying cassia with a weak aroma, due to its low oil content.
Flavor notes: Cassia cinnamon may have subtle undertones. These additional notes can add complexity and depth to the flavor. You can take a small piece of cassia and try to find out these notes.
- Spicy: A subtle spiciness, similar to cloves or nutmeg.
- Warm: A comforting warmth.
- Woody: A hint of woody notes, suggesting its natural origin.
- Earthy: A subtle earthiness, adding depth and complexity.
Flavor of Cassia Cinnamon
Sweetness and spiciness: Cassia cinnamon is famous for its balance of sweetness and spiciness. High-quality cinnamon has a pronounced sweet flavor with a warming, spicy kick.
About us
Havigo Company Limited operates in the field of agricultural export. We wish to bring high-quality Vietnamese agricultural products such as spices, rice, beans, and fruits… to the world. We supply you with high-quality products at the best price. If you find interested in importing High Quality Cassia Cinnamon, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for better support via WhatsApp: +84 979 58 58 56.
We are confident in our ability to deliver products that consistently meet the highest quality standards while offering competitive pricing within the market. Furthermore, we are committed to providing exceptional customer support throughout your entire experience. Please contact us for better support via WhatsApp: +84 979 58 58 56.