Meghalaya sits deep in Northeast India's misty hills, showing off beautiful nature and rich culture. Beyond waterfalls and living root bridges, this region grows Meghalaya cassia cinnamon—a special spice that people around the world are just starting to discover.
This Single - origin special spice offers more than just great flavour. It connects to centuries of tradition and the indigenous Khasi tribe, who have harvested it for many generations.
The Remarkable Story of Meghalaya's Single-Origin Cinnamon
The story of Khasi cassia cinnamon begins with the people who discovered it. The Khasi tribe, native to Meghalaya's highlands, have maintained a profound relationship with their environment for centuries. Expert foragers harvest wild cinnamon from the region's clean forests and use it in their daily lives and traditions.
The Khasi people call this special cinnamon "Dieng-lorthia" and "Dieng-siasa." It grows naturally in Meghalaya's unique climate and soil, not in mass production like supermarket cinnamon. This natural growth gives it special qualities that make it different from all other types.
The Linguistic Mystery: Did "Cassia" Come from "Khasi"?
One of the most intriguing aspects of Meghalaya cassia cinnamon is the potential origin of its very name. Historical records reveal that early British colonists often spelled the tribal name as "Cassia" or "Cossyah" in their writings. This similarity suggests that people may have named the spice "cassia" after the Khasi tribe.
This linguistic connection highlights the historical significance of the Khasi tribe in the spice trade. The Khasi people traded beyond Meghalaya's borders, reaching Burma (modern-day Myanmar) and establishing themselves in ancient trade networks.
What Makes Khasi Cassia Cinnamon Extraordinary
Meghalaya cassia cinnamon isn't just historically significant—it's remarkable. This single-origin spice contains 85% cinnamaldehyde content in its bark, making it one of the most potent cassia varieties in the world. For comparison, the leaves contain an even more impressive 94% cinnamaldehyde, while the roots hold 90%.
Cinnamaldehyde is the compound responsible for cinnamon's distinctive aroma and many of its health benefits, including:
- Powerful antimicrobial properties
- Strong antifungal effects
- Potent antioxidant activity
Beyond cinnamaldehyde, Khasi cassia cinnamon essential oil contains other valuable compounds like eugenol and linalool. The natural chemicals in this spice make it useful for many things: aromatherapy, skincare products, and even pain relief.
Traditional Uses in Khasi Culture
For the Khasi people of Northeast India, cassia cinnamon transcends its role as a mere cooking ingredient. This aromatic bark holds deep cultural significance, woven into the fabric of their traditions and daily practices:
- As a Culinary Staple: Traditional Khasi cuisine uses their cassia cinnamon to add warm, sweet-spicy flavours to both sweet and savoury dishes. Its robust flavour profile makes it perfect for hearty stews and festive desserts alike.
- For Traditional Healing: Like many indigenous cultures, the Khasi people have long recognized cinnamon's medicinal potential. The Meghalaya people used this spice to treat diarrhoea, colds, and inflammation—practices that modern research now confirms through studies on cinnamon's healing properties.
- In Aromatic Practices: Meghalaya cassia cinnamon contains high amounts of cinnamaldehyde, which creates strong essential oil. The Khasi people likely used this oil in their traditional healing rituals and aromatherapy.
Experience Authentic Meghalaya Cassia Cinnamon Today
Are you ready to elevate your cooking with one of the world's most extraordinary single-origin spices? Meghalaya's cassia cinnamon offers not just intense flavour but a connection to centuries of tradition and the pristine natural environment of Northeast India.
When you buy real Khasi cassia cinnamon, you support sustainable harvesting and help preserve indigenous knowledge. Each cinnamon stick comes from harvesters who use skills passed down for generations and understand how to balance human needs with caring for the environment.
Visit our online store today to discover how Meghalaya's Single - Origin Khasi cassia cinnamon can improve your cooking. Experience the superior flavour, potency, and cultural heritage that only true single-origin spices can deliver.