Kerala Clove is universally acclaimed as one of the best and most fragrant cloves in the world. Cultivated in the rich, tropical environment of the Western Ghats of Kerala, this spice enjoys a distinguished history and is highly valued for its pungent, characteristic aroma and strong flavour. Kerala Clove is among the world's best cloves because of its aromatic strength, strong flavour, and high oil content. Cultivated in Kerala's optimal conditions of tropical climate, the spice is a key ingredient in both traditional and contemporary cuisine, besides providing multiple medicinal advantages. Kerala cloves, being of high quality, are part of the state's cultural and economic landscape and a real gem in the international spice market. Used for culinary dishes or as remedies for health, Kerala clove remains a spice that reflects the essence of Kerala's rich spice tradition.
Kerala's distinctive geographical position, with humid tropical climatic conditions, plenty of rainfall, and the fertile, well-drained soil of the Western Ghats, creates the ideal place to cultivate clove. The altitude of approximately 800 to 1,500 meters above mean sea level, along with a warm temperature, adds to the distinguished quality of cloves produced here. Important areas in Kerala where clove is cultivated are Idukki, Wayanad, and Kottayam. The union of these natural elements produces cloves that are fragrant, rich in essential oils, and of the highest quality.
Kerala cloves possess a rich, strong, and aromatic flavour, with a distinctive combination of warm, sweet, and slightly bitter flavours. They possess a spicy, pungent aroma that is both sharp and sweet, and hence are greatly valued in both culinary and medicinal uses.
The strong smell of the clove is attributed to the existence of eugenol, the essential oil responsible for its distinctive scent. Kerala cloves are usually plucked when the buds become pinkish and then dried meticulously, retaining the high eugenol levels and the natural flavour.
Kerala clove is not just utilized in culinary purposes but is also very much sought after in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurvedic therapy. Some of its renowned health benefits are:
Kerala's cloves have gained international recognition for their superior quality, with huge demand from international markets. The flavour, aroma, and health benefits of Kerala cloves make them a choice of preference for spice traders, food manufacturers, and health-conscious consumers across the world.