Clove powder

What is clove?

The cloveis the fruit of the clove tree(Syzygium aromaticum), a tree of the Myrtaceae family. This spice comes from the Moluccas, an Indonesian archipelago. The clove tree is distinguished by its evergreen foliage with oval leaves and its height can reach up to 20 meters for the tallest specimens.

The flowers of the clove tree are composed of 4 pink and white petals and red sepals. Used whole or in powder form, clove is a spice with an intense taste that is used sparingly.

The harvest of cloves

The clove is in fact the flower bud which is harvested by hand before hatching and put to dry. As it dehydrates, it takes on its dark brown colour.

Cloves are harvested in the following tropical countries:

• Zanzibar
• Madagascar
• Indonesia
• Sri Lanka
• Malaysia

David Vanille's choice: I chose to introduce you to Indonesian cloves because of their intense taste and because this country is the leading producer. The powdered clove is a must in rustic cuisine. It sublimates the great classics such as pot au feu, veal blanquette or mulled wine.

The origins of cloves

Native to the Northern Moluccas, cloves are an ancient spice whose first traces date back to 1700 BC. It was discovered in Syria, more precisely in Terqa, in the heart of archaeological ruins.

Cloves have been used in many civilizations. If the first accounts that speak of it date back to around 200 B.C., the discovery of its presence in Syria in - 1700 B.C. could be proof that the trade of this spice is much older.

The use of cloves differed from country to country:

• In China, cloves were chewed for breath fresheners, and their benefits were touted..
• In Syria: it was used in the kitchen

During the colonisation of the Moluccan archipelago, the Portuguese seized the monopoly on the harvest by burning all the clove trees that were not on the island of Ternate. They were replaced by the Dutch, who also decided to take over the profits from the production of cloves.

Cloves in Europe

It was Pierre Poivre, botanist, farmer and French colonial administrator who discovered the clove and brought some plans back to the West Indies.

In the Middle Ages, cloves were a popular spice, mainly reserved for the elite.

Did you know that? The cloveis a symbol for Christians of the nails used to crucify Jesus on his cross.

The clove today

A spice appreciated in cooking, the clove is also used in the composition of Indonesian cigarettes: the Kreteks. Today, the annual harvest of cloves amounts to 140,000 tons. Indonesia is the main producer, accounting for nearly 70% of the harvest. Madagascar is in second place with more than 15% of the market share.

Did you know that? 95% of the world's production of cloves is used to make cigarettes in Indonesia.

Other uses for cloves

Cloves have always been used for their medicinal properties, especially to relieve toothache. Endowed with antiseptic and anaesthetic properties, it has long been a remedy for toothache. It was introduced whole into the damaged tooth or made into infusions.

It is also very rich in antioxidants.

Finally, it is also used to relieve urinary infections, gastric pain and, when planted in a citrus fruit, it becomes an effective anti-insect.

Did you know that?: Just like acai, spirulina or turmeric, clove is a super food. This means that it has exceptional nutritional value and health benefits

How to use clove powder in cooking?

Clove powder has a taste as powerful as that of whole cloves. It allows you to dose the seasoning more accurately. It is particularly appreciated in pastry making where it blends perfectly with flours and other appliances.

Our recipe ideas with clove powder

Would you like to discover the flavours of our clove powder? Here is a 3-course menu composed of original and tasty recipes

The starter: Scallops snacked with cloves

This is a light, iodized starter that matches perfectly with the powerful aromas of cloves. Snack your scallops over high heat. Make a vegetable stock with onions and leeks. Pour a ladle of stock into a soup plate. Arrange your scallops. Season with salt and pepper and add a little clove powder. Mince a spring onion and garnish your plate. Serve hot with a dry white wine

The dish: The traditional potted hen

A unique dish that brings together and in which the clove subtly develops its aromas. Cut the hen into pieces. Place it in a casserole surrounded by the following cut vegetables: onions, leeks, celery. Add a bouquet garni. Cover with water, add half a spoonful of clove powder and a little nutmeg. Leave to cook for 2 hours on a low heat. Drain the vegetables and continue cooking the chicken. 15 minutes before the end of cooking, add the vegetables and check the seasoning. A tasty winter dish, to be served with a good red wine and steamed potatoes

The dessert : Candied fruit cake

This is a comforting dessert that can be enjoyed with coffee at the end of a meal or as a four-hour snack. We particularly like the combination of candied fruit and cloves. Cut your candied fruits into small pieces: figs, prunes, apricots... Crush dried fruits: almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios... Put everything in a bowl, add the flour, half a spoon of clove powder and cinnamon powder, 75 cl of liquid honey, 15 cl of rum. Add two beaten eggs. Pour everything into a cake tin and bake for 40 minutes at 170 °C. Also excellent as a starter with mountain cheese.

How to store the clove powder?

To store clove powder, we recommend using an airtight container, preferably a jar. Like many spices, cloves retain their taste qualities longer if stored in a dry place away from light.