Scientific Name: Eugenia Caryophyllus
Clove is the oldest spice in the world and with its sweet pungent and strongly aromatic flavor, is indigenous to the Spice Islands of Indonesia. Clove was introduced in India by British in 1800 A.D. and was initially cultivated in South Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Clove, referred to as “Grambu” in Malayalam, is widely cultivated in Kottayam, Trivandrum, Kozhikode and Kollam districts of Kerala.
Clove is used as a flavouring agent, and finds medicinal uses with its antiseptic and antibiotic properties. Clove is used as pain reliever and as local anesthetic for dental care. It is also used in soaps, toothpastes and perfumes.
