Cinnamon processing
Practical Action
Grinding
Grinding can be a method of adding value to a product. However, it is not advisable to grind
spices. After grinding, spices are more vulnerable to spoilage. The flavour and aroma compounds
are not stable and will quickly disappear from ground products. The storage life of ground spices
is much less than for the whole spices. It is very difficult for the consumer to judge the quality
of a ground spice. It is also very easy for unscrupulous processors to contaminate the ground
spice by adding other material. Therefore most consumers, from wholesalers to individual
customers, prefer to buy whole spices.
Cinnamon is sometimes ground to a powder prior to sale. The ground powder should be packaged
in moisture proof packaging (polypropylene bags) to retain the flavour.
Packaging
Cinnamon quills are cut into pieces up to 10cm in length and packed into moisture-proof
polypropylene bags for sale. The bags should be sealed to prevent moisture entering. Sealing
machines can be used to seal the bags. Attractive labels should be applied to the products. The
label needs to contain all relevant product and legal information – the name of the product, brand
name (if appropriate), details of the manufacturer (name and address), date of manufacture,
expiry date, weight of the contents, added ingredients (if relevant) plus any other information that
the country of origin and of import may require (a barcode, producer code and packer code are all
extra information that is required in some countries to help trace the product back to its origin).
See the Practical Action Technical Brief on labelling for further information on labelling
requirements.
Storage
Dried cinnamon quills must be stored in moisture-proof containers away from direct sunlight. The
stored cinnamon quills should be inspected regularly for signs of spoilage or moisture. If they
have absorbed moisture, they should be re-dried to a moisture content of 10%.
The storage room should be clean, dry, cool and free from pests. Mosquito netting should be
fitted on the windows to prevent pests and insects from entering the room. Strong smelling
foods, detergents and paints should not be stored in the same room as they will spoil the delicate
aroma and flavour of the cinnamon.
Equipment suppliers
This is a selective list of suppliers of equipment and does not imply endorsement by Practical
Action.
This website includes lists of companies in India who supply food processing equipment.
http://www.niir.org/directory/tag/z,,1b_0_32/fruit+processing/index.html
Dryers
Acufil Machines
S. F. No. 120/2, Kalapatty Post Office
Coimbatore - 641 035
Tamil Nadu
India
Tel: +91 422 2666108/2669909
Fax: +91 422 2666255
Email: acufilmachines@yahoo.co.in
acufilmachines@hotmail.com
http://www.indiamart.com/acufilmachines/#products
Industrias Technologicas Dinamicas SA
Av. Los Platinos 228
URB industrial Infantas
Los Olivios
Lima
Peru
Tel: +51 14 528 9731
Fax: +51 14 528 1579
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