This article is about the spice. Not to be confused with Clover. The word clove, first used in English in the 15th century, derives via Middle English clow of gilofer, Anglo-French clowes de gilofre and Suneli spice French clou de girofle, from the Latin word clavus “nail”. The flower buds initially have a pale hue, gradually turn green, then transition to a bright red when ready for harvest.

In Mexican cuisine, cloves are best known as clavos de olor, and often accompany cumin and cinnamon. A major component of clove taste is imparted by the chemical eugenol, and the quantity of the spice required is typically small. The spice is used in a type of cigarette called kretek in Indonesia. Clove cigarettes were smoked throughout Europe, Asia, and the United States. Clove essential oil may be used to inhibit mold growth on various types of foods.

Studies to determine its effectiveness for fever reduction, as a mosquito repellent, and to prevent premature ejaculation have been inconclusive. Clove stalks are slender stems of the inflorescence axis that show opposite decussate branching. Externally, they are brownish, rough, and irregularly wrinkled longitudinally with short fracture and dry, woody texture. Archaeologist Giorgio Buccellati found cloves in Terqa, Syria, in a burned-down house which was dated to 1720 BC. This was the first evidence of cloves being used in the west before Roman times. The discovery was first reported in 1978.

Cloves were also present in records in China, Sri Lanka, Southern India, Persia, and Oman by around the third century to second century BC. During the colonial era, cloves were traded like oil, with an enforced limit on exportation. Current leaders in clove production are Indonesia, Madagascar, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, and Comoros. Kretek, clove cigarette popular in Indonesia. Subscription or participating institution membership required. Kew Science, Plants of the World Online. Tight Stocks of Quality Cloves Lead to a Price Surge”.