Clove
Clove is the dried aromatic flower bud of Syzygium aromaticum, valued for its strong aroma, warm pungency, and long history of use in culinary, flavoring, and traditional formulations.
- Botanical Name: Syzygium aromaticum
- Plant Family: Myrtaceae
- Plant Part Used: Dried flower bud
Widely used in food, bakery, spice blends, flavoring, and botanical applications.
Description
Clove consists of the dried, unopened flower buds of the tropical evergreen tree Syzygium aromaticum (syn. Eugenia caryophyllata), a member of the Myrtaceae family. Indigenous to the Moluccas (Spice Islands) of Indonesia, clove has played a significant role in the global spice trade for centuries.
Cloves are distinguished by their intense aroma and hot, pungent taste. They are widely used to flavor meats, baked goods, confectionery, and beverages, and are especially associated with traditional holiday foods in Europe and North America.
Botanical Information
- Botanical Name: Syzygium aromaticum
- Synonym: Eugenia caryophyllata
- Family: Myrtaceae
- Common Name: Clove
Origin & Cultivation
The clove tree is an evergreen that grows to approximately 8–12 meters in height. Flowering typically begins around the fifth year, and a mature tree can yield up to 34 kg of dried buds annually. The buds are hand-harvested before opening and then sun-dried until they develop their characteristic dark reddish-brown color.
Historically, clove cultivation was tightly controlled in Indonesia. Today, major producing regions include Zanzibar (Tanzania), Madagascar, and Indonesia, with Zanzibar being the world’s leading producer.
Physical Characteristics
- Length: approximately 13–19 mm
- Color: reddish-brown
- Aroma: strong, warm, and spicy
Key Constituents
- Essential oil (approximately 14–20%)
- Eugenol (primary aromatic compound)
- Natural resins and tannins
Uses & Applications
- Culinary seasoning for meats, baked goods, and spice blends
- Flavoring agent in beverages and confectionery
- Extraction of clove oil and oleoresin
- Perfumery, oral care, and cosmetic formulations
- Traditional and herbal product development
Additional Information
Clove oil, obtained by distillation of the dried buds, is widely used in flavorings, fragrances, and personal care products. Eugenol, the primary component of clove oil, is valued for its aromatic properties and is also used in the synthesis of vanillin and other flavor compounds.
Handling & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from heat, light, and moisture. Whole cloves retain aroma and oil content longer than ground cloves. Handle using standard food and botanical industry practices.
Regulatory & Usage Information
For industrial, formulation, and research use. Certificates of Analysis (CoA), technical documentation, and bulk supply options are available upon request.
