White Marks on Cassia Cinnamon Trees: What Are They?
White marks on cassia cinnamon trees are caused by lichens. Lichens are symbiotic organisms formed by algae and fungi or cyanobacteria. They do not harm the trees they grow on, as they only use the tree’s surface as a living space and do not draw nutrients from the tree. Common lichen species found on cinnamon trees include Phlyctis argena and Graphis scripta.
Two species of lichen commonly found on cassia cinnamon trees.
Are Lichens Harmful?
Lichens are friendly organisms that do not harm trees or the environment. They are sensitive to air quality and pollution, so researchers can gauge air quality in an area based on the presence of lichens. It is rare to find lichens in polluted areas. You can read more about this here.
Do All Cassia Cinnamon Trees Have White Marks?
Due to differences in climate and air quality, cassia cinnamon trees from different countries vary. The three largest cassia cinnamon producers are Vietnam, China, and Indonesia. Chinese cassia cinnamon trees usually do not have lichens, while cassia cinnamon from Vietnam and Indonesia often do. Therefore you will rarely see white marks on cassi cinnamon bark of Chinese origin.
Do White Marks Affect the Quality of Cinnamon?
The growth of lichens on cinnamon trees does not affect the quality of the final product. The quality of cassia cinnamon depends largely on the climate, soil, and age of the tree. Among the top three cassia cinnamon-producing countries, Vietnamese cassia cinnamon is of the highest quality, with the highest essential oil content, providing a strong, spicy flavor with a characteristic sweetness.
Are White Marks on Cassia Cinnamon Trees Harmful to Health?
Lichens on cinnamon trees are generally not dangerous to human health. However, prolonged consumption might cause mild health effects. Since lichens only live on the surface of the tree bark, you can safely use the cinnamon after washing it thoroughly.
If you are looking for quality cassia cinnamon products without white marks, you can take a look at Orgafruits VN products below:
