clove

Cloves are the dried flower buds of the clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum), widely used in culinary, medicinal and aromatic applications. Below are the detailed specifications for the clove:

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1. Physical Specifications

Type/Grade:

Whole cloves (dried buds).

Clove powder.

Appearance:

Buds are uniform, whole and unbroken.

Color: Dark reddish-brown to brown.

The stems are intact and without excessive splitting.

size:

Length: 10–20 mm.

Diameter: 2–4 mm (head).

Moisture content: ≤ 12% for proper storage.

Foreign impurities: ≤ 1% (eg stems, dust or impurities).

Volatile oil content: ≥ 15% (eugenol concentration is the main quality marker).

 

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2. Chemical specifications

Eugenol content: ≥ 70–85% in essential oil.

Ash content:

Total ash: ≤ 7%.

Acid-insoluble ash: ≤ 0.5%.

Pesticide residues: In accordance with international food safety standards.

Heavy metals:

Lead (Pb): ≤ 2 ppm.

Arsenic (As): ≤ 0.5 ppm.

 

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3. Microbiological specifications

Total Plate Count (TPC): ≤ 10,000 CFU/g.

Yeast and mold: ≤ 100 CFU/g.

Well. coli: Missing in 1 g.

Salmonella: Missing in 25 g.

Aflatoxins: ≤ 10 ppb (B1, B2, G1, G2).

 

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4. Evaluation standards

Grade designations: Based on size, color and oil content.

Hand Picked Select (HPS): Premium quality, uniform buds with high oil content.

FAQ (fair average quality): standard class clove.

Clove stalks: a separate product used for essential oils.

 

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5. Nutritional specifications (per 100 g)

Calories: ~274 kcal.

Protein: ~6 g.

Fat: ~13g.

Carbohydrates: ~65g.

Fiber: ~33 g.

Minerals: High content of calcium, magnesium and manganese.

Vitamins: Contains vitamin C and small amounts of B-vitamins.

 

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6. Packaging and storage

Packaging:

Bulk: jute or polypropylene lined bags (10 kg, 25 kg, 50 kg).

Retail: Hermetically sealed containers or vacuum packs (50 g, 100 g, 250 g).

Storage conditions:

Cool and dry place (< 25°C) with relative humidity < 65%.

Protected from direct sunlight and strong odors.

Expiry date:

Whole cloves: Up to 18–24 months.

Clove powder: 6–12 months (shorter shelf life due to the volatility of the oil).

 

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Certificates

Organic (if applicable).

Compliance with standards such as FSSAI, ISO, HACCP or FDA.

 

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Applications

Culinary: Flavoring baked goods, curries, teas and marinades.

Medicinal: Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and digestive.

Aromatic: Extraction of essential oils for perfumes and soaps.