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'''The clove tree, botanically named ''Syzygium aromaticum L.'', originates from Maluku Island is a member of the ''Myrtaceae'' family of evergreen trees, which typically grows in Indonesiaa humid tropical climate below 300m where there is no noticeable dry season. Clove was imported to Europe already While clove farming has existed in the 7th century. Upon discovery of Maluku Island by the PortugeseMadagascar since 1820, the clove trade became monopolised by the Portugese until they were driven out by the Dutch a number one cash-crop in the early 17th century. The trade was thereafter controlled by the Dutch until Pierre Poivre smuggled seedlings of the clove tree out of the country while organising several expeditions on behalf of the French East India Company. Clove were consequently brought 1990, providing an important contribution for Malagasy households, allowing farmers to Mauritius supplement their income during shortfalls in 1770 and thereafter to La Reunion island. The first plants appeared in Madagascar on Sainte Marie island in the 1820sfood production.'''
Clove grows along the entire east coast of Madagascar originates from Sambava Maluku Island in Indonesia and was imported to Fort Dauphin but especially between [[Maroantsetra]] and through Europe already in the regions 7th century. Upon discovery of [[Fenerive Est]]Maluku Island by the Portuguese, [[the clove trade became monopolised by the Portuguese until driven out by the Dutch in the early 17th century. The trade thereafter became controlled by the Dutch until Pierre Poivre smuggled clove seedlings out of the country while organising expeditions on behalf of the French East India Company. Clove was consequently brought to Mauritius in 1770 and thereafter to La Reunion island. The first plants appeared in Madagascar on Sainte Marie]] and [[Tamatave]]island in the 1820s.
The tree grows well in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrallitisation ferralitic] tropical soil and usually gets between 10 and 12 metres but can get as tall as 20 metres.
[[File:Madagascar_Cloves_017.jpg|thumb|300px|left|Syzygium aromaticum]]
The plant flowers for the first time after 8-10 years and the trees are fully flowering at around 20 years. Cloves are the nail-like spikes which are unopened flower-buds. The name derives from the Latin word ''clavus'', meaning nail. Branches of clustered flower-buds are removed from the stems, then handpicked and sun-dried. Clove harvesting in Madagascar takes place between October and March.<!-- fact-check-->
Clove has a variety of culinary and non-culinary uses. As a spice, cloves are used in curries, spicy fruitcakes, sauerkraut and a wide range of cuisines as well as beverages such as red wines.
Non-food uses include mixing the spice with tobacco in Indonesian clove cigarettes called ''kretek'' which accounts for a large proportion of Madagascar's clove exports and world-production.
Clove oil is widely used as a base in perfumes, for example in ''l'Air du Temps'' by Nina Ricci and ''Opium'' by Yves Sain-Laurent.
Clove's main ingredient, eugenol, is a bioactive compound with anti-bacterial, fungicide, antiseptic, antioxidant, anaesthetic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory effects. It is furthermore used in aromatherapy and various traditional, human and veterinary medicines including dentistry, toothpaste...
Eugenol can, however, be toxic in relatively small doses. A dose of 5-10ml has been reported to be nearly fatal for a two-year-old. Additionally, clove oil can be used as an ant and mosquito repellent.
Clove is classified in three categories depending on harvesting and intended use: CGI - "Handpick", CG2 - "Prima", CG3 - "Courant" (ordinary), which applies to non-food use, such as the Indonesian ''kretek'' industry.
When exported, cloves in the Prima category should have less than 16% moisture level and weight at least 70mg. The right moisture level at the time of export is important to ensure minimum weight loss while the spice is on a shop shelf or kitchen cupboard without losing its spicy properties. Well prepared and packaged clove consignment should remain in good condition for at least two years.
Cloves from Madagascar are smaller than cloves from Sri-Lanka for example, with Madagascar's cloves having a stronger flavour making them suited for cooking, while Sri-Lankan cloves may be better for decorative pomanders.
== Additional information ==
View all [[Madagascar Cloves photos]]
* https://www.madagascarspices.com/cloves.html
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myrtaceae
* https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-251/clove
* [https://www.madagascarspices.com/admin/images/Danthuetal2014BFT.pdf The clove tree of Madagascar: A success story with an unpredictable future] - article in ''Bois et Forets des Tropiques'', January 2014
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clove
* http://www.idaromatic.com/cloves.htm
* https://www.importpromotiondesk.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Publikationen/factsheet/zutaten/cloves-in-germany.pdf
* https://www.ako-spice.com/cloves-a-big-thank-you-pierre-poivre/