Ceylon Cloves
Grown in the sun-drenched lands of Sri Lanka, our Ceylon cloves are harvested using traditional methods that respect the natural rhythms of the trees. Harvested at peak ripeness and then gently dried, they retain all their aromatic richness and natural power.
Deep and glossy brown, each clove releases warm, spicy, and slightly sweet notes, with a subtle, lingering intensity. They are ideal for flavoring your stews, pastries, hot drinks, or homemade infusions.
At Lokayah, we select only exceptional cloves, cultivated with respect for the earth and all living things, to offer you a noble, vibrant and authentic spice.
Ceylon Cloves
€4,37
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What are Cloves?
Cloves are the dried flower buds of the clove tree ( Syzygium aromaticum ), a tropical tree native to the Indonesian Moluccas, also known as the Spice Islands . Harvested just before they bloom and then dried in the sun, these small, dark brown cloves pack an exceptional punch of aroma.
In Sri Lanka, cloves have found an ideal breeding ground: a warm, humid climate, fertile soils, and agricultural know-how passed down for centuries. Grown primarily in the Matale, Kandy, and Sabaragamuwa regions, they benefit from perfect conditions to develop their warm, spicy, and slightly sweet aroma.
Used since ancient times, cloves were already prized for their medicinal properties, their power to preserve food, and of course, their captivating aroma. They were among the most sought-after spices on the great trade routes between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Their value was such that they were sometimes used as currency.
Today, Ceylon cloves are sought after for their superior quality: an intense, persistent yet elegant aroma, and a high content of natural essential oil, particularly eugenol, which is responsible for their characteristic fragrance.
At Lokayah, we have selected cloves from crops that respect nature, to offer you a noble, vibrant spice, deeply rooted in the history of taste and travel.
How to use Clove?
Cloves are a powerful and precious spice, to be used with finesse to enhance your recipes.
In savory cuisine
Add a few cloves to your broths, stews, curries, or simmered sauces. They delicately flavor meats, vegetables, and casseroles. Remember to remove them before serving to avoid an overpowering flavor.
In sweet cuisine
Cloves go wonderfully with fruit-based desserts (apples, pears, plums), gingerbread, and homemade compotes.
In drinks
Infuse 1 to 2 cloves into mulled wine, herbal teas, cider, or even black tea for a warm and spicy scent.
🇫🇷 France – Mulled wine with spices: Cloves are essential in mulled wine spice blends, where they add warmth and depth.
🇮🇳 India – Biryani: In this iconic spiced rice dish, cloves subtly flavor the cooking along with cardamom, cinnamon, and cumin.
🇩🇪 Germany – Gingerbread (Lebkuchen): Cloves add their signature flavor to traditional Christmas gingerbread.
🇲🇦 Morocco – Lamb Tagine with Prunes: Used sparingly, cloves intensifies sweet and savory stews.
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka – Fragrant Curries: Cloves are incorporated into spice blends to enrich curries, fragrant rice, and saucy dishes.
Lokayah Tip
To fully release their aromas, lightly crush the cloves before brewing or cooking. Use them sparingly: their natural potency is enough to enrich an entire preparation.
The benefits of cloves
Beyond its intense fragrance, cloves are known for their remarkable natural properties.
Powerful antioxidant action
Rich in eugenol, an active compound, cloves help protect cells against oxidative stress and support the immune system.
Natural pain relief
Traditionally used to soothe toothache and muscle pain, cloves have mild anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Helps digestion
In infusion or in cooking, it stimulates digestion, reduces bloating and promotes intestinal comfort.
Respiratory support
Due to its antibacterial properties, it is often used in natural remedies to relieve sore throats or winter discomfort.
General balance of the body
In moderate and regular use, cloves help maintain natural vitality and support metabolism.
Before being dried, the clove is a flower bud: a small purple gem with a powerful fragrance. Hand-harvested just before blooming, it already concentrates all the essential oils that will give the spice its strength, warmth, and aromatic richness.
Precise and patient know-how, passed down from generation to generation on the islands where it grows.
Once hand-harvested, just before blooming, the clove buds are carefully spread out in the sun, often on large mats of natural fibers. This seemingly simple step is actually crucial: it requires patience, vigilance, and expertise passed down through generations.
Over several days, the cloves slowly transform. Their reddish-purple hue darkens, their texture hardens, and the essential oils, naturally heated by the sun, intensify. It is this slow and gentle process that gives cloves their strength, aromatic complexity, and ability to flavor an entire dish with a single touch.
