Nithyasree and Navasree cinnamon varieties offer high yields (200–250 kg/ha) and quick returns (3 years to first harvest). Nithyasree is ideal for quality quills and aroma, while Navasree excels in bark recovery and processing efficiency, empowering farmers with higher profits and sustainable growth.
Cinnamon, a cherished spice renowned for its aroma and flavor, has evolved significantly through centuries of cultivation and innovation. Among the elite varieties developed in India, Nithyasree and Navasree—released by the ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research—stand out for their superior quality and adaptability to Indian growing conditions. Let’s explores their unique traits and contributions to the spice industry.
Nithyasree Cinnamon
Origin: Derived from a seedling selection within an Indian collection.
Key Features
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Growth Cycle: First harvest in 3 years.
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Yield: 200–250 kg of dry quills per hectare.
Quality Parameters
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Bark Oil Content: 2.7%
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Leaf Oil Content: 3.0%
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Bark Oleoresin: 10.0%
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Bark Recovery: 30.7%
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Cinnamaldehyde in Bark Oil: 58%
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Eugenol Content: 5.0%
Physical Attributes
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Height at 5 Years: 5–7 meters
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Trunk Girth: 45 cm
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Leaf Size: 15.4 cm (L) × 5.7 cm (W)
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Young Flush Color: Light purple, turning green in 2–4 days
Distinct Advantages
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Excellent shoot regeneration
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High-quality quills
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Enhanced aroma due to high bark oil and oleoresin levels
Navasree Cinnamon
Origin: Also selected from Indian seedling stock.
Key Features
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Growth Cycle: First harvest in 3 years.
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Yield: 200–250 kg of dry quills per hectare.
Quality Parameters
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Bark Oil Content: 2.7%
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Leaf Oil Content: 2.8%
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Bark Oleoresin: 8.0%
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Bark Recovery: 40.6%
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Cinnamaldehyde in Bark Oil: 58%
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Eugenol Content: 6.0%
Physical Attributes
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Height at 5 Years: 5–7 meters
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Trunk Girth: 30 cm
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Leaf Size: 13.4 cm (L) × 4.69 cm (W)
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Young Flush Color: Light purple, turning green in 8–10 days
Distinct Advantages
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Higher bark recovery for efficient processing
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Elevated oleoresin and cinnamaldehyde levels, ideal for premium spice products
Side-by-Side Comparison
|
Parameter |
Nithyasree |
Navasree |
Significance |
|
Growth Cycle |
First harvest in 3 years |
First harvest in 3 years |
Both varieties offer quick returns for farmers, promoting sustainable livelihoods. |
|
Production (per hectare) |
200–250 kg dry quills |
200–250 kg dry quills |
Consistent yields make them economically viable for large-scale cultivation. |
|
Bark Oil Content |
2.7% |
2.7% |
Ensures consistent aromatic and flavor properties in both varieties. |
|
Leaf Oil Content |
3.0% |
2.8% |
Slightly higher in Nithyasree, potentially influencing end-use applications. |
|
Bark Recovery |
30.7% |
40.6% |
Higher bark recovery in Navasree enhances processing efficiency. |
|
Cinnamaldehyde in Bark Oil |
58% |
58% |
High levels in both ensure superior aroma and taste profiles. |
|
Height (at 5 years) |
5–7 meters; girth: 45 cm |
5–7 meters; girth: 30 cm |
Greater trunk girth in Nithyasree may aid harvesting practices. |
|
Leaf Size |
15.4 x 5.7 cm |
13.4 x 4.69 cm |
Larger leaves in Nithyasree can contribute to higher oil extraction rates. |
|
Young Flush Transition |
Light purple to green (2–4 days) |
Light purple to green (8–10 days) |
Faster flush transition in Nithyasree might reflect enhanced adaptability. |
The Nithyasree and Navasree cinnamon varieties are emblematic of India’s advancement in spice research and development. Their distinctive attributes serve diverse cultivation and commercial needs:
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Nithyasree is well-suited for farmers seeking labor efficiency and rapid canopy development.
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Navasree is ideal for processors aiming for high bark recovery and strong aroma profiles.
Both play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality and sustainability of cinnamon cultivation, reinforcing India’s stature in the global spice trade.These elite varieties empower farmers with sustainable growth and profitability, boosting India's position in the global spice market. Their adaptability and superior traits showcase the potential of innovation in agriculture and reaffirm the importance of continued research and development in the spice industry.
