Cloves

Cloves

Cloves are the aromatic flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae, Syzygium aromaticum.
They are native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia, and are commonly used as a spice. Cloves
are commercially harvested primarily in Indonesia, India, Madagascar, Zanzibar, Pakistan, Sri
Lanka and Tanzania.The clove tree is an evergreen tree that grows up to 8–12 m tall, with large
leaves and sanguine flowers grouped in terminal clusters. The flower buds initially have a pale
hue, gradually turn green, then transition to a bright red when ready for harvest. Cloves are
harvested at 1.5–2.0 cm long, and consist of a long calyx that terminates in four spreading sepals,
and four unopened petals that form a small central ball.Cloves are used in the cuisine of Asian,
African, and the Near and Middle East, lending flavor to meats, curries, and marinades, as well as
fruit such as apples, pears or rhubarb. Cloves may be used to give aromatic and flavor qualities to
hot beverages, often combined with other ingredients such as lemon and sugar.