The clove, when dried under the sun, turns brown and hard, bearing a sharp and pungent flavor. Known for its therapeutic and culinary benefits, this spice has been a staple in Asia for over two millennia. It made its way to Europe during the Middle Ages and became as renowned as pepper.
Most of the world’s clove harvest is used in the production of Indonesian cigarettes. The clove tree is delicate and takes nearly 8 years to bear fruit. The floral buds are harvested before they bloom, and then dried until they attain a brown hue.
