Ceylon cinnamon sub-cambium harvest timing: rain-softened bark and Koketta knife technique?

Artisanal harvesting of true Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is governed by plant sap physiology. Stems must be cut immediately following monsoon rains when the active vascular cambium is hydrated and slippery with phloem sap. If cut during dry spells, the bark adheres firmly to the hardwood core and tears. The peeler scrapes the rough outer green cork with a curved knife, then rubs the stem firmly with a smooth brass rod (Kekuna rod). Friction and gentle compression loosen the paper-thin inner sub-cambium from the wood. The peeler makes two longitudinal incisions with a curved brass knife (Koketta) to peel seamless golden bark sheets.