When sourcing Cassia Whole, quality is primarily determined by volatile oil content, moisture levels, and physical appearance. High-quality Cassia should have a moisture content below 14% to prevent mold during transit. Look for 'Scraped' vs. 'Unscraped' varieties; scraped cassia has the bitter outer bark removed, offering a sweeter, more refined flavor profile. Grades are often categorized by length and thickness, such as Cigarette Cut (Vera), Split, or Broken, with uniform thickness indicating consistent essential oil distribution.