The Clove tree grows to around 10-15 metres in height, with leaves that begin as a pale red in colour, then turning to green as they mature. Originating from the Moluccas Islands, Indonesia, the flowering occurs after 7 years (from August/September through to February), and a further 6 months for the buds to mature. The tree can continue to have a productive life for a further 50-70 years, though it flowers best between 15 - 20 years, and producing 3 - 7kg of cloves per tree, per year. The cloves are handpicked when the lower portion of the clove bud is changing colour from green to red. Allowing 2-4 days to dry, and in-turn change colour, then finally graded into 3 colour and appearance groups.

Syzygium aromaticum

The word Clove is derived from the Latin word "clavus" or the French word "clou", meaning nail, the shape of which cloves are said to resemble. Cloves from Indonesia amount to nearly 80% of the world's total supply. 

Known as a domestic spice worldwide. Cloves have been used throughout history from Romans, who used it to keep the plague at bay, to Chinese medicine where cloves were considered highly prized for many uses from cooking, digestion, smoking to dental /oral care and cleaning just to name a few, and predominantly a warming agent.

Either whole or ground from Bud (the closed flower), Stem or Leaf  - Clove is desired to have aphrodisiacal nature with stress relieving qualities, yet stimulating, warming and a comforting embracement. Useful for upset stomach, and chesty coughs, helps to ease diarrhoea, vomiting, hernia, gas and nausea. It is also applied to the skin as a counterirritant for pain and for mouth and throat inflammation. such as dental and oral post-application care. Flavourings for foods and beverages, also in toothpaste, soaps, cosmetics, perfumes, and cigarettes (which generally acts like menthol to reduce the harshness of tobacco smoke). 

Blends well with :  Basil, Bay Leaf, Bergamot, Cananga, Cinnamon, Clary Sage, Geranium, Ginger, Grapefruit, Lavandin, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Peppermint, Pimento, Rose, Rosemary, Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang.