The genus Cinnamomum

Cinnamon and Cassia – The Future Vision 329
Another problem is the fluctuation of market prices. Whenever prices fall below
a certain limit, the plantations are neglected. A guaranteed floor price scheme would
be helpful to maintain a steady supply of cinnamon bark, cassia bark and their oils.
Good storage facilities for products is an urgent need that could limit the fluctuation
in prices.
The cinnamon and cassia industry produces a range of unique natural products, and
an international obligation exists to ensure that prices are maintained at steady levels,
so as to maintain their existence in world markets. Continued attention to Research and
Development is vital in this obligation. The research component has been neglected,
except for some clonal selection work. Little improvement has been made on production
technology issues over and above what has been practiced traditionally. Growers
have not turned their attention seriously on these crops. There is a definite scope for
improvement through cross-breeding, to improve yield as well as quality. Novel flavour
profiles can be evolved by the use of such breeding strategies. Interspecific hybridisation
between C. verum and C. cassia can be useful in evolving hybrids with more vigour,
and improved or novel flavour characteristics.
Good agricultural practices, better harvesting and processing methods, and improved
relationships between buyers and sellers, will help to keep this trade active in the
future.
References
Lawrence, B.M. (1967). A review of some commercial aspects of cinnamon. Perf. Essent. Oil
Record, 59, 236–241.
Ter Heide, R. (1972) Qualitative analysis of essential oil of cassia. J. Agric. Food Chem. 20,
747–751.
Senanayake, U.M. and Wijesekera, R.O.B. (1989) Volatiles of Cinnamomum species. In:
Proceedings 11th International Congress of Essential Oils, Fragrances and Flavours.