Brass Rods, Fine Quill Rolling, and Aromatic Sun-Drying Traditions
Learn the intricate, endangered artisanal craft of peeling genuine Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum). Under the guidance of generational peelers, scrape coarse rough bark with a curved knife, rub the stem with brass rods to loosen inner fibers, peel whisper-thin parchment layers, and pack nested fragrant quills for drying.
Select straight two-year-old shoots from the grove with optimal bark thickness.
Scrape away the dark, bitter outer skin to reveal the fragrant golden inner tissue.
Rub the stem firmly with a rounded brass rod to liberate inner bark sap.
Slide paper-thin bark strips into concentric layers to create solid cigar-shaped quills.
Knives are blunt on the tip and handled under close instruction.
First aid box at the cinnamon shed.
Ceylon cinnamon (true cinnamon) is pale tan, rolls in delicate multi-layered scrolls, has a sweet subtle fragrance, and contains trace safe amounts of coumarin compared to thick, toxic Cassia.
Includes harvesting tools, hands-on tuition, fresh cinnamon tea, and a bundle of self-peeled quills.
Combine this activity with other authentic village experiences.
Walk shaded multi-canopy groves of true Ceylon cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, and medicinal flora with herbal practitioner Ranjith. Watch master peelers strip fragrant cinnamon bark and learn ancient remedies still relied upon by local villagers.
Traverse shaded hillside trails identifying wild medicinal roots, barks, and climbing flora with herbal healer Ranjith. Learn how indigenous Hela Wedakama utilizes Gotukola for cognition, Aralu for digestion, and Iramusu for blood purification.