Whole Cloves

Whole cloves have long been an important spice with a strong, pungent, sweet flavour. Because of their unique taste and wide range of health benefits, cloves are used in traditional medicine and foods worldwide.

What are cloves?

Whole cloves are the pink flower buds of the clove tree that have yet to open. When they dry out, they turn brown. Cloves are mostly picked from the tree species Syzygium aromaticum. They have a very warm, sweet, and aromatic flavour. These exotic trees are native to Indonesia's Maluku Islands or Spice Islands. They do best in warm, wet places. Once the buds are dry, they can be used whole or ground in food and medicine.

Ancient use

Cloves have been used for over 2,000 years in India, China, and the Middle East. They are thought to be one of the first spices to be sold. In the ancient Roman and Chinese cultures, people used them not only for their taste but also to keep food fresh and as medicine. As such, cloves were very important in the global spice trade, helping countries increase trade and leading to the finding of new trade routes. In the 1600s, the Dutch were so determined to control the market that they planted only clove trees.

Commercial production

Cloves are commercially grown in Indonesia, Madagascar, and Zanzibar. Care must be taken during the drying process, an essential part of production that gives the spice its unique smell and taste. Usually, the buds are hand-picked and then left to dry in the sun for a few days. Indonesia is the most significant source of cloves, so it dramatically impacts prices and supply lines worldwide.

Health benefits of cloves

Recent science studies are starting to back up what many cultures have known for hundreds of years: cloves are good for you in many ways. Researchers have found that they contain many antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage and lower the risk of chronic diseases. Studies also show that the eugenol in cloves may help lower the risk of cancer and liver disease and keep blood sugar levels in check, which could help people with diabetes. Clove oil is renowned for treating toothaches and mouth infections in dentistry. It's also reported that cloves can help with digestion, ease headaches, and strengthen the immune system.