Ceylon Cloves
Syzygium aromaticum - Aromatic Flower Buds
Discover the aromatic heritage of Ceylon cloves, hand-harvested from the spice gardens of Sri Lanka. Known for their intense eugenol content and superior quality, our cloves represent generations of careful cultivation and traditional processing methods.
Ancient Aromatic Legacy
Spice of Emperors
Cloves have been cultivated in Sri Lanka for over 500 years, originally brought from the Moluccas (Spice Islands) by Portuguese traders in the 16th century. The spice was so valuable it was used as currency and sparked global trade wars.
Chinese emperors required court visitors to chew cloves to freshen their breath during the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD). The spice was worth more than its weight in gold and was jealously guarded by spice merchants.
Sri Lankan clove plantations were established in the central highlands, where the unique climate and soil conditions produced cloves with exceptional aromatic properties, making Ceylon cloves highly sought after in international markets.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Hill Country
Cultivated at elevations of 200-900m in the hill country regions with well-drained, fertile soils and consistent rainfall patterns.
Tropical Climate
Thrives in humid tropical conditions with temperatures of 20-30°C and annual rainfall of 1500-2500mm, essential for flower bud development.
Spice Gardens
Grown in traditional spice gardens alongside cinnamon, cardamom, and pepper, creating a sustainable polyculture system.
Premium Quality Standards
What Makes Ceylon Cloves Superior
High Eugenol Content
Contains 70-85% eugenol, providing superior aromatic intensity and natural antiseptic properties.
Perfect Flower Buds
Hand-picked at optimal maturity when buds turn pink but before blooming, ensuring maximum oil content.
Rich Brown Color
Deep reddish-brown color indicating proper drying and high essential oil concentration.
Uniform Size Grading
Carefully sorted into consistent sizes of 12-15mm length for uniform processing and presentation.
Quality Specifications
Traditional Harvesting Methods
Tree Maturation
Clove trees take 6-8 years to mature and can produce for over 100 years, with peak harvesting between September and December.
Perfect Timing
Flower buds harvested when they turn pink and are 1.5-2cm long, before the flowers open and lose their aromatic potency.
Careful Picking
Skilled workers hand-pick each cluster using bamboo ladders and special tools to avoid damaging the delicate branches.
Natural Drying
Buds are spread on mats and sun-dried for 4-5 days until they turn brown and develop their characteristic nail-like shape.
Versatile Applications & Health Benefits
Culinary Excellence
Essential in baking, mulled wines, and savory dishes, providing warm, sweet, and slightly bitter notes.
Natural Antiseptic
High eugenol content provides natural antimicrobial and antiseptic properties for oral health and food preservation.
Aromatherapy
Essential oil used in aromatherapy for its warming and energizing properties, helping reduce stress and fatigue.
Traditional & Modern Applications
Traditional Medicine
- Toothache relief and oral care
- Digestive support and nausea relief
- Respiratory health support
- Anti-inflammatory properties
Modern Applications
- Food preservation and flavoring
- Cosmetics and personal care
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Essential oil production
Source Premium Ceylon Cloves
Experience the aromatic intensity of authentic Ceylon cloves. Connect with our spice experts to learn more about our premium hand-harvested clove varieties.