CASSIA
Cassia is the dried husk (bark) of a small, bushy evergreen
tree. Though
botanically has close relations, cassia is considered inferior to cinnamon. There are
different varieties of cassia, obtained from different species of Cinnamomum and
originating from different sources. These include 'Chinese', 'Indonesian', 'Saigon',
'Vietnamese' and 'Indian'. Though there is a generic likeness in the aromatic properties
of the various species of cassia, they do exhibit differences in some respects. Cassia
bark is a popular ingredient in foods, beverages, perfumery, toileteries and cosmetics,
while the oil of cassia finds extensive application in liquors and beauty products. Cassia
is often used as a less costly substitute to true cinnamon. In India, cassia is grown in
the North-Eastern states and in the evergreen tracts along the high ranges of the Western
Ghats.
| Botanical name |
Family name |
Commercial part |
| Cinnamomum cassia Blume. |
Lauraceae |
Bark and leaf |
Name in international languages
| Spanish |
: Canela de la China |
| French |
: Cannelle de cochinchine |
| German |
: Z Limtkassie |
| Swedish |
: Kassia |
| Arabic |
: Darasini |
| Dutch |
: Kassia |
| Italian |
: Cassia |
| Japanese |
: Bokei |
| Chinese |
: Kuei/Kwei |
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