The forests of Sumatra Indonesia

As I head into the forest area of Sumatra Indonesia, I am awestruck by the pageantry of the Kerinci (Korintje) Seblat National Park, the country’s largest preserve. This wonderland is home to rhino, bear, elephant and yes, even tigers! Here the highest volcanic peak and volcanic lake in Southeast Asia is dotted with colorful hornbills and luckily for us, in the agricultural perimeters – Cassia Cinnamon.

For over a decade we have been working in the local villages nestled in the tapestry of the forested mountains. This area once known for slash and burn clear cut agriculture, has become an ongoing project to maintain the ecosystems that are critical to long term sustainability.

In our organic project areas, it’s thrilling to be able to dig your arm down to the elbow in a rich layer of natural forest mulch. Due to the abundant rain and the warm climate, the forest vegetation decomposes rapidly, creating a nutrient filled blanket of compost that will maintain for years to come.

Korintje Cassia is the delicate, spicy-sweet variety most consumed in the US. The Cassia tree (Cinnamomum burmanii) has a pungent bark that is selectively felled after many years of growth when the optimum volatile oil level is achieved. This thick bark of the main trunk is used for ground cinnamon and essential oil. Cinnamon sticks come from the smaller upper branches of the tree, where the inner bark is removed to “curl” into quills, dried, then cut and sized. Cinnamon trees are “coppicing” trees, which means the remaining stump of the harvested tree generates new growth, which is managed to maturity and harvested again.

Hundreds of growers in the area have adopted organic practices and received our support for technical expertise and assistance to be successful. Regular visits, audits and method documentation assure traceability, safety and the reliable product quality we strive for.

The growers, by adopting approved practices of pest and disease control, weeding, nutrient inputs and soil conservation create a safe environment for themselves and their children.

Indonesia provides us not only with Cinnamon. Ginger is interplanted with other crops for efficiency and diversity. Black Pepper grows on long vines supported by teak and other tall trees. Vanilla is the beautiful climbing orchid that is trellised on the Dew-Wood tree. Cloves, the flower and fruit of a majestic tree (Eugenia carypyllus) grows predominately on the Mentawai Islands to the west of Sumatra.

From the forest splendor, to you, a treasure trove of Tropical delights.

Joy to the Pallet!