A Single-feed 3-in-1 cinnamon processing machine

Abstract

Cinnamon holds global recognition as a necessary spice and a vital food ingredient. Apart from being highly regarded as a spice, it shines in areas such as medicine, as a powerful agent against cancers, heart diseases, and diabetes [1], [2]. Various cinnamon breeds exist worldwide. True Cinnamon, native to Sri Lanka and commonly known as Ceylon Cinnamon, is renowned for its superior taste, aroma, and quality. It contains significantly less coumarin, a potentially harmful substance when compared to alternatives such as Cassia cinnamon [3], [4]. Cinnamon trees yield various extractants, including cinnamon oil from leaves. The most sought-after extract is obtained from the inner bark, which is the primary focus of this project. The cinnamon industry exhibits remarkable resilience and growth, continuing strong export performance during the pandemic. While it faces fierce competition from Chinese Cassia in terms of quantity, Ceylon cinnamon remains unrivalled in quality. Cinnamon extraction is a labour-intensive process cantered around harvesting the prized inner bark of cinnamon stems. Skilled workers are pivotal for ensuring product quality and process efficiency. High labor costs and the need for specialized skills in cinnamon processing pose significant challenges, leading to demotivation among planters and exacerbating the labor shortage issue. In addressing above gaps, this research aims to design and develop an automated machine for cinnamon processing that includes the functions: scraping, rubbing, and peeling in a single feed, as a solution for the high demand of skilled laborers, with high efficiency and acceptable quality output.