Cloves are the dried unopened flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum (L) Marr and Perryl classified as Eugenia caryophyllus Bullock and Harrison, E. caryophyllata Thunberg or E. aromaticus (L), which is a large tree native to Amboyna and other Moluccan islands.
In East, cloves are used as a table spice, in the making of curry powder and to flavor betel quids.
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| Cloves |
Cloves contain about 15 to 20% percent consisting mainly of eugenol (85-95 percent), depending on the method of distillation. The oils have a characteristics clove-like aroma and burning, spicy flavor.
In addition to the eugenol, the oil contains caryophyllin, tannin, gum, and resin.
Clove oil is from the cloves, stems and leaves and is used as a flavoring agent and in perfumes, soaps, bath salts, medicine and dentistry.
Although the oil from the stems and leaves is inferior, it is of tremendous commercial value and has a wide market.
The clove oil is highly pungent and heavier than water. When the cloves are fresh the oil is obtained by pressure but commonly by distillation.
Flavor of cloves essential oil
