Tra Leng: Vietnam's Village of Ancient Cinnamon Trees

Tra Leng village, nestled in the western mountains of Da Nang, Vietnam, is a region celebrated for its vast cinnamon forests. These ancient groves are home to cinnamon trees that have stood for 40 to 50 years, with some venerable specimens reaching a century in age. The "Tra My cinnamon" brand is recognized as a top-quality product in Vietnam, with the forests considered a vital resource passed down through generations.

For the local community, these cinnamon forests represent more than just a natural resource; they are the primary source of livelihood, enabling residents to escape poverty. The true value of Tra Leng's cinnamon lies not in mass production but in its endemic qualities, the richness of its essential oil, its geographical indication, and its deep cultural narrative. Residents cultivate extensive cinnamon gardens, with trees boasting diameters of 40-50 cm, nurtured over decades.

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Currently, the price of first-grade cinnamon bark is about 100,000 VND/kg, and people harvest and sell it to traders and factories.

Locals like Ho Van Lam, 50, explain that these cinnamon forests are a generational asset. While some ancient trees are preserved solely for their seeds to propagate new growth, others, planted 15-20 years ago, are harvested for their bark. The price for first-grade cinnamon bark can reach approximately 100,000 Vietnamese dong per kilogram. Beyond the bark, the leaves and wood also hold economic value.

Despite the inherent value, the development of the cinnamon sector in Tra Leng has faced hurdles. Challenges include low market prices, insufficient infrastructure for transportation, and a lack of deep processing, with most efforts focused on selling raw bark, branches, and leaves. To address these issues, the village plans to expand cultivation into large-scale specialized areas and attract investment in machinery for processing essential oils and cinnamon powder. This strategic shift aims to enhance the value and quality of cinnamon products, solidifying Tra Leng's position as a key economic driver for the region. The upcoming Tra Leng Cinnamon Aroma Festival is set to further promote the image, value, and development potential of this unique product.

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In the coming time, the commune will mobilize people to expand the planting area, creating large-scale specialized cultivation areas. Besides, promoting investment in machinery for processing essential oils and cinnamon powder to form deep processing products, increasing value and quality.