Whole cloves

What is clove?

Cloves are 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, which can reach up to 20 metres for the tallest specimens.

The flowers of the clove tree are composed of 4 pink and white petals and red sepals. The clove is a spice with an intense taste that is used sparingly.

The harvest of the clove

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's choice of Vanilla: I chose to introduce you to the Indonesian clove for its intense taste and because this country is the first producer. Cloves are a must in rustic cooking. It enhances the great classics such as pot au feu, blanquette de veau or mulled wine.

The origins of cloves

Originally from the northern Moluccas, cloves are an ancient spice whose first traces date back to 1700 BC. It is in Syria, and more precisely in Terqa in the heart of archaeological ruins, that it was discovered.

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

The use of cloves differed from country to country:

• In China: it was chewed to treat breath and its benefits were praised
• In Syria: it was used in cooking

During the colonization of the Moluccas 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 benefits of clove production.

Cloves in Europe

It was Pierre Poivre, a botanist, farmer and French colonial administrator, who discovered cloves and brought a few plants to the West Indies.

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

Did you know that? The clove represents for the Christians the symbol of the nails having been used to crucify Jesus on his cross.

Cloves today

Cloves are a popular spice in cooking and are also used in the composition of Indonesian cigarettes: Kreteks. Today, the annual harvest of cloves amounts to 140 000 tons. Indonesia is the main producer, taking nearly 70% of the harvest. Madagascar is in second place with over 15% of the market share.

Did you know? 95% ofthe world's clove production is used to make cigarettes in Indonesia.

Other uses of cloves

From time immemorial, cloves have been used for their medicinal properties, particularly to relieve toothache. Endowed with antiseptic and anesthetic properties, it has long been a remedy for toothache. It was introduced whole in the damaged tooth or made infusions of it.

It is also very rich in antioxidants.

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

Did you know? Like acai, spirulina and turmeric, cloves are a superfood. This means that it has an exceptional nutritional value and that it has beneficial health properties

How to use cloves in cooking?

Cloves are attractive because their taste is as strong as that of whole cloves. It allows to dose more precisely the seasoning. It is particularly appreciated in pastry making where it is perfectly integrated into flours and other appliances.

Our recipe ideas with cloves

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

The starter: Scallops snacked with cloves

Here is a light and iodized starter that goes perfectly with the powerful aromas of cloves. Snack your scallops over a high heat. Make a vegetable stock with onions and leeks. In a soup plate, pour a ladleful of stock. Arrange your scallops. Season with salt and pepper and add one or two cloves. Slice a spring onion and garnish your plate with it. Serve warm with a dry white wine

The dish: The traditional chicken pot

A unique dish that brings people together and in which the clove subtly develops its aromas. Cut the chicken into pieces. Place it in a casserole dish surrounded by the following chopped vegetables: onions, leeks, celery. Add a bouquet garni. Cover with water, add a clove 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

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 fruit into small pieces: figs, prunes, apricots... Crush some dried fruit: almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios... Put everything in a bowl, add the flour, a clove and cinnamon powder, 75 cl of liquid honey, 15 cl of rum. Add two beaten eggs. Pour the mixture into a cake tin and bake for 40 minutes at 170°C. Excellent also as a starter with mountain cheese.

How to store your cloves?

To store your cloves, we advise you to use an airtight container, preferably a jar. Like many spices, cloves retain their taste qualities longer if stored in a dark and dry place.