🌿Ceylon Cinnamon from Sri Lanka: From Cultivation to Quills – Grades, Harvest, and Wholesale Pricing
Sri Lanka, globally known as the “Spice Island,” is revered for producing some of the world’s finest spices—and at the center of this legacy lies Ceylon Cinnamon, often referred to as True Cinnamon. Unlike Cassia, which dominates the global spice trade by volume, Sri Lankan cinnamon is prized for its subtle sweetness, delicate aroma, and health benefits.
In this guide, we’ll explore how Ceylon Cinnamon is cultivated, the harvest and processing methods, its grading system, and how to buy cinnamon wholesale directly from Sri Lanka.
🌱 Cultivation of Ceylon Cinnamon in Sri Lanka
Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) thrives in the tropical climate of southern Sri Lanka, especially in regions like Galle, Matara, and Ratnapura. Farmers typically cultivate cinnamon in small plots or spice gardens, often intercropped with other native spices such as turmeric, clove, and pepper.
Cultural Practices
Planting: Cinnamon is propagated through cuttings or seeds and requires well-drained sandy loam soil.
Pruning & Coppicing: After 2 years, the tree is pruned close to the ground (coppicing), encouraging the growth of new shoots ideal for bark harvest.
Weeding & Mulching: Manual weeding, natural mulching, and the use of organic manure are standard practices in cinnamon farms across Sri Lanka.
🐛 Pest & Disease Management for Cinnamon
To protect the quality of the bark, cinnamon cultivators use natural methods to control pests and diseases. Common threats include:
Colletotrichum gloeosporioides – causes leaf spot
Phytophthora cinnamomi – responsible for root rot and stripe canker
Diplodia species – may cause stem decay
Preventive measures, good drainage, and proper pruning are essential to ensure a healthy and productive cinnamon crop.
🔨 From Harvest to Quill: How Cinnamon Is Processed in Sri Lanka
Harvesting takes place during the wet season when the bark peels easily. The processing steps are time-sensitive and delicate:
Peeling: Bark is stripped immediately after cutting, while it is still moist.
Scraping: Outer bark is removed to expose the tender inner layer.
Rolling: The inner bark is carefully rolled into long curls, known as cinnamon quills.
Drying: Quills are dried in warm, ventilated spaces for 4–6 hours until they are crisp.
Grading: Once dried, cinnamon is graded based on quill diameter and quality.
🛡️ Poor drying environments may lead to pest infestations. In export-quality batches, controlled fumigation using food-safe sulphur dioxide is sometimes approved to meet EU standards.
📏 Grades of Ceylon Cinnamon: Alba, C4, C5 & More
Ceylon Cinnamon is graded by the diameter and quality of the quills. Here’s a summary
| Grade | Diameter | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alba | ~6mm | Finest, thinnest, lightest quills – luxury grade. Buy Alba Ceylon Cinnamon → |
| C5 Special | 7–9mm | Premium export grade – rich aroma and balanced flavor. Explore C5 Cinnamon → |
| C5 | 10–12mm | Smooth, sweet, and ideal for daily use. Shop C5 Grade Cinnamon → |
| C4 | 13–14mm | Slightly thicker, aromatic, and affordable. View C4 Cinnamon Details → |
| M4/M5 | 16–20mm | Common in Mexico and Europe – stronger bark, intense flavor. |
| Hamburg Grades (H1–H3) | Varies | Coarser, economical grades used in large-scale applications. |
Also available: Quillings (broken cinnamon bits) in No.1, No.2, and No.3 grades, ideal for grinding or extracts.
🏭 Cinnamon Processing at Our Facility
We maintain high standards from farm to packaging. OurSri Lanka cinnamon processing facility ensures:
Hand-graded quality control
Food-safe drying and packing conditions
Vacuum-sealed packaging for long shelf life
Custom orders and private label options
💰 Buying Ceylon Cinnamon Wholesale – Price & Packaging
Looking to source Sri Lanka cinnamon in bulk?
| Grade | Price Range (USD/kg) | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Alba | $21 – $29 | Premium tea blends, high-end baking |
| C5 | $18 – $24 | Retail spice jars, culinary use |
| C4 | $14 – $18 | General use, food service, grinding |
📦 Available in: 500g, 1kg, 5kg, 10kg packs
🌍 We ship globally with all export documentation.
📧 Contact: dan@purevanillabeans.com
📱 WhatsApp: +61 415 264 077
✅ Why Choose Ceylon Cinnamon from Sri Lanka?
Grown organically using traditional farming methods
Naturally low in coumarin – safer for health
Softer bark and sweeter aroma than Cassia or Saigon cinnamon
Carefully harvested and processed to preserve essential oils
Supported by Sri Lanka’s centuries-old spice heritage
🔗 Related Cinnamon Product Pages
🧭 Learn More About Our Full Sri Lankan Spice Range
While cinnamon is our specialty, we also offer a curated range of other Sri Lankan spices:
📌 Conclusion
From seedling to quill, Ceylon Cinnamon from Sri Lanka undergoes a detailed journey rooted in tradition, care, and quality. As the global demand for pure, organic, and traceable cinnamon grows, Sri Lanka remains at the heart of this aromatic legacy.
If you’re ready to source authentic Ceylon cinnamon, whether Alba, C5, C4, or powder, connect with us today.