Know Your Spice: Cloves

Cloves are a versatile and highly valued spice because of their distinctive flavor and aromatic properties. They are used across a wide range of culinary creations, traditional medicines and aromatherapies. These have a rich history and economic significance because of their use in cultural practices and global trade.

This post is an attempt to introduce you to this fantastic spice. You will find all the information about this spice about how it looks, how it is harvested, its history and its importance in modern day.

Clove: Botanical Information

The botanical name of clove is Syzygium aromaticum.

They are small, dark brown colored, and nail-shaped spice comprising a long calyx ending in a bulbous, unopened flowered bud. These are warm, sweet, and aromatic with slight bitter and astringent undertone. The presence of eugenol compound in cloves is responsible for its primary flavor and aroma.

Parameters for Grading Cloves

We have come up with a list of parameters on which cloves are graded under different categories which basically differentiate them on their overall quality. Here are these parameters:

Size: Cloves are graded according to their length. Larger cloves are generally considered to be of higher quality.
Color: Deep brown colored cloves with lighter brown bud are considered to be of high-quality. It is important to have uniformity in color which again is an indication of good quality. Discoloration or uneven coloring indicates low quality.
Aroma: Cloves with a strong, characteristic aroma signify high quality as it is an indication of presence of high content of essential oil, particularly eugenol. Weak aroma indicates lower quality.
Moisture Content: For longer shelf life and preventing mold growth, it is important to have right moisture content in the spice which is about 10-12%.
Appearance: Ideally, cloves should have an intact bud/ head and should be free from contaminants like leaves, stems, and other impurities. They should not be broken or shriveled as it indicates insect damage.
Density and Weight: Heavier cloves having higher density are considered of superior quality and vice versa.
Oil Content: Good quality cloves contain around 15-20% essential oil i.e. eugenol. The higher the oil content, the better the quality is.

What are the Different Grades of Cloves?

Based on the different characteristics that have been shared above, cloves are divided into following categories:

Hand-Picked Super (HPS): They are the highest quality cloves which are uniform in size and color and have strong aroma and flavor. These cloves are hand-picked and don’t have any defects or impurities. They also feature high content of essential oil.
Hand-Picked (HP): This is a category below HPS. These cloves are good in size and have color uniformity. They have strong aroma and flavors but may contain a small percentage of broken cloves or immature cloves.
Brown Cloves (BC): This is the lower grade of clove which is mostly used for oil extraction or industrial purpose. These cloves are less uniform in color and size. They have faint aroma and have higher percentages of impurities and damages.
FAQ (Fair Average Quality): These are medium quality cloves. They have mixed sizes having variation in color and aroma. They make suitable spice to use for general culinary use and are not recommended for premium applications.
Clove Stems: As the name suggests, these are the byproduct of clove harvesting. The main purpose of clove stems is for extracting oil and therefore, they are not a preferred choice for culinary purpose.

Quality Control and Standards of Cloves

There are basically two standards that are followed when it comes to quality control of cloves. They are:

International Standards: This category includes organizations such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) which provide guidelines for clove quality, including ISO 1117:1992 for whole cloves.
National Standards: There are different clove producing countries and many of them have their own grading and quality standards that are used for regulating the trade and export of cloves in that particular country.

Suitable Conditions to Grow Cloves

Cloves, just like any other plant, require conducive environment to grow and flourish. Here are the suitable conditions required for growing cloves:

Climatic Conditions: Cloves grown best in tropical climates having a temperature range of 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). These trees cannot survive in extreme temperatures.
Soil Conditions: Well-drained loamy soils rich in organic matter make perfect choice for growing cloves. Red loam, sandy loam, and lateritic soils are some soils on which cloves grow well. Also, fertile soils that are rich in nutrients like potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus are considered to be perfect for growing this spice.
Rainfall: Cloves flourish when they have well-distributed rainfall. They are sometimes grown in regions with less rainfall and in that scenario, they require supplementary irrigation during dry periods.
Humidity: This is another important requirement for cloves to grow. They need high humidity environments with humidity as high as 70-90%.
Altitude: Cloves grow well in regions with altitudes ranging from sea level to around 1,000 meters and they have also been found to grow best at lower elevations near coastal areas.
Planting: The best time to plant clove seedlings is at the start of the rainy season to ensure there is right supply of water. A spacing of 6 to 8 meters is recommended between cloves plants to ensure proper growth and airflow.

Harvesting of Cloves

Harvesting of cloves is considered to be a critical process because it requires precise timing and technique to make sure that the cloves are of best quality. Here is detailed information about the process of harvesting of cloves:

Timing of Harvest: Cloves are harvested from the unopened flower buds of the clove tree. When the buds start to turn pinkish red from green, but the bud is not fully open, that is the right time to harvest the bud.
Harvest Season: The season of harvest is quite subjective to the region where clove is grown but it typically occurs once in a year. Mostly, the harvest season of clove spans from late summer to early winter.
Harvesting Techniques: The cloves are harvested manually and also by using tools. While harvesting manually, they are harvested by hand where the workers carefully pluck the buds from the tree. Sometimes the harvesters are required to use the ladders or ropes to reach the buds in case the trees are tall. While harvesting cloves using tools, mostly small scissors or knives are used for cutting the buds.

Post-Harvest Processing of Cloves

Once the cloves are harvested, they are processed immediately to prevent the buds for fermenting or wilting. Here is a glimpse of the post-harvest process:

Sorting: This is the first and the foremost step which involves sorting the cloves for removing impurities or damaged buds present in them. Once they are cleaned, they are then categorized based on their size, appearance, and quality.
Drying: This is an important step, and different techniques are used for drying clove. Sun drying is the most common and traditional method in which cloves are spread out in thin layers on mats under the sun. This process takes about 4-7 days for cloves to dry. Shade drying is another common technique where cloves are dried in shaded areas for preventing excessive exposure to direct sunlight which can degrade the essential oils. In areas where is less consistent sunlight or have high humidity, mechanical dryers are used for optimum drying. While drying, cloves are regularly turned for ensuring even drying and preventing mold growth.
Storing: Once cloves have dried, they are then stored in a cool and dry place with low humidity levels. They are stored in air-tight containers for maintaining aroma and preventing the absorption of moisture. In case of bulk packaging, they are packed in bags made of breathable materials that allow air circulation.

Which All Countries Grow Cloves?

Cloves are mostly grown in tropical regions around the world having significant concentration is certain countries. Here is the list of major clove-producing countries in the world:

Indonesia: It is the largest producer of cloves in the world. It is known for producing premium-quality cloves that are widely used in the local kretek cigarette industry.
Madagascar: It is another top exporter of cloves. Cloves from this country are valued for their strong aroma and high content of essential oil.
Tanzania: It is the major clove producing country in Africa. Cloves is an important export from Tanzania and contributes to the economy of the country in a big way.
Sri Lanka: Cloves from Sri Lanka are valued for their large size and strong aroma.
India: Cloves are an important part of Indian cuisine, culture, and traditional medicine system. India is an important producer of clove but most of the clove production is locally consumed.
Comoros: Clove production is an important part of the agricultural economy in the country.
Brazil: The country is increasing its clove production for domestic use as well as export and is gradually emerging a notable clove producer.
Malaysia: Cloves are a vital part of Malaysian cuisine and traditional medicine. Clove is produced in the country for regional use.

History of Cloves

The fascinating history of cloves goes back thousands of years. This spice is native to the Maluku Islands which are also known as the Spice Islands in Indonesia. Cloves have been used in Asia for over 2,000 years. As per ancient Chinese records from the Han Dynasty, they were used as spice and mouth freshener.

Cloves were traded along ancient maritime routes which connected the Spice Islands to India, China, East Africa, and the Middle East. They were one of the earliest spices that were traded. Then Arab traders brought this spice to Europe in the Roman Era where they were used by Romans for their aromatic properties and medicinal benefits. They were considered a luxury item and were mostly available to the wealthy.

In 1948, Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama reached India and Portuguese established their presence in the Spice Islands. In 17^th century, the Dutch East India Company took over the control of the Spice Islands from the Portuguese and established their monopoly over clove trade. Then British East India Company entered the spice trade and by the 18^th century, the British began the cultivation of clove in their colonies.

Cloves in Modern Times

From the Spice Islands, clove reached to different parts of the world and expansion of clove cultivation happened. At present, the major producers of cloves include Indonesia, Madagascar, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, and India.

Cloves are being used globally in diverse culinary applications, traditional medicine, and the production of essential oils. They have remained a significant agricultural product across many countries and have contributed to the local farmers and the national economies.

In contemporary cuisines, cloves are a key ingredient in numerous spice blends. They are used for flavoring meats, stews, marinades, and sauces. Ground cloves are often used in cakes, cookies, and pastries. There are various holiday dishes and beverages like cider and mulled wine which are incomplete without warm flavors of clove.

The modern studies are investigating the use of clove and its extracts in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. Ongoing research continue to explore the health benefits of this spice. The primary component of clove oil, eugenol, is used in dentistry for its antiseptic and analgesic properties. There are various health supplements in which clove oil and extracts are used for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory benefits.

For its distinctive aroma and therapeutic properties, clove oil is used in perfumes, cosmetics, and aromatherapy. It is also used as a natural pesticide as it is packed with antimicrobial properties.

Cloves remain a highly valued spice in modern times, with significant culinary, medicinal, and industrial applications. The economic importance of cloves continues to be strong, particularly in major clove producing countries. As research and innovation advance, new opportunities for the use of cloves are emerging, enhancing their relevance and value in the contemporary world.

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