Why it matters. Bad drying can volatilise cinnamaldehyde by 20–30%, pulling sale prices below break-even.
Two common methods
Traditional sun-drying
- Spread 3–4 cm thick on bamboo racks 60 cm above ground.
- Turn four times a day; cover when heat exceeds 35°C.
- Duration: 5–7 days, depending on humidity.
Low-temperature chamber drying
- Set chamber to 45–50°C.
- Forced airflow to keep RH below 60%.
- Run 36–40 hours continuous until moisture reaches 11–12%.
“Low-temp drying uses more electricity but retains 96% of essential oil versus sun-drying — the price premium pays back the cost four times over.”
— Văn Bàn Cooperative report, 2025
Post-drying storage
Pack in double-layer PE bags sealed with aluminium tape, store dry below 25°C, stack no more than 8 layers high.
