Introduction to Cloves: Indonesia's Fragrant Treasure
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is one of Indonesia's most prized spices, native to the Maluku Islands. These aromatic flower buds are harvested from evergreen trees that can grow up to 12 meters tall. Each clove consists of:
- Aromatic bud head (rich in essential oils)
- Cylindrical stem (with concentrated flavor)
Traditional Processing Method
Hand-picking at optimal maturity (when buds turn pink)
Sun-drying for 3-5 days until dark brown
Sorting by size and quality grade
Final moisture content check (≤12%)