Cassia [Vietnam Origin]
The Cassia tree bloom in early summer. It grows in hot, wet, tropical climates both wild and commercially. The stems are cut down when the bark is mature. The bark is removed in short lengths and dried, with some varieties rolling into quills.
The dried bark of the cassia tree is one of the ingredients of five spice powder. It is similar to Cinnamon. Cassia bark is darker, thicker. The outer surface is rough and greyish brown, the inside bark is smoother and reddish brown. The flavour is quite pungent, warm not as sweet and delicate, and slightly bitter. The cassia bark is often used in traditional Chinese Medicine.
It is preferred for strong spicy main dishes. It is used to treat nausea and flatulence. It is also used alone or in combination to treat diarrhea.