Botanically name Eugenia caryophyllata. World production of clove leaf oil is around 2000 tons. Leaf and twigs yield 2% leaf oil, the stems attached to buds and flowers yield 5% stem oil and the buds yield 15% bud oil. Demand for clove oils is static with the main markets currently North America and Western Europe.
The major components of clove oil are typically:
- 81% eugenol (strong, warm, clove)
- 15% caryophyllene (spicy, woody)
- 2% alpha-humulene (woody)
- 0.5% eugenyl acetate (warm, spicy)
The bud oil has so far the finest odor character of the three oils but is also the most expensive. Stem oil used as a substitute for bud oil. Leaf oil is little more than a source of natural eugenol. Adulteration of bud oil by stem, leaf oils, eugenol, and stem oil terpenes is carried out but can be detected by gas chromatography.Clove oils are used in seasoning blends but also have an interesting part to play in other natural flavors. They form an essential part of the character of banana and a useful background note in blackberry, cherry and smoke flavors. There are no legal constraints on the use of clove oils.
Clove oil
