How are cinnamon sticks and ground cinnamon made in

 Cinnamon sticks and ground cinnamon both come from the bark of cinnamon trees, primarily Cinnamomum verum or Cinnamomum cassia. The process of obtaining cinnamon involves several steps.

**1. Harvesting:** Cinnamon trees are typically grown in tropical regions. The outer bark, or cinnamon bark, is harvested by carefully cutting it from the tree during the rainy season when the bark is more pliable.

**2. Peeling:** After harvesting, the outer bark is stripped away from the inner bark. The inner bark is what contains the characteristic flavor and aroma of cinnamon.

**3. Drying:** The peeled inner bark is left to dry in the sun. As it dries, it naturally curls into the recognizable cinnamon stick shape. This is the form in which cinnamon sticks are commonly sold.

**4. Grinding:** For ground cinnamon, the dried inner bark can be ground into a powder. This can be done manually or using machinery. The grinding process releases the essential oils in the cinnamon, intensifying its flavor and aroma.

**5. Packaging:** Cinnamon sticks and ground cinnamon are then packaged for distribution. Cinnamon sticks are often sold as whole quills, while ground cinnamon is packaged in jars or sachets. Both forms are widely used in various culinary applications, adding a warm and spicy flavor to dishes, desserts, and beverages.