Cloves were once so valuable they sparked global trade rivalries. Indigenous to Indonesia, they were traded as early as 200 BCE and were prized in ancient China, India, and the Roman Empire. The Portuguese and Dutch later fought for control of the clove trade, cantering around the Moluccas.
A clove is the aromatic flower bud of the clove tree, Syzygium aromaticum. Cloves are small, reddish-brown, nail-shaped buds.
The use of clove in whole or ground form is mainly for culinary purposes and as a flavouring agent in food industry. Its flavour blends well with both sweet and Savory dishes.
It is highly valued in medicine as carminative, aromatic and stimulant.