High quality Cloves export standard

Product: Cloves (Whole Dried Flower Buds of Syzygium aromaticum)

Botanical Name: Syzygium aromaticum Form: Whole / Ground (as requested) Origin: South Africa

Physical Characteristics:

Appearance: Dried flower buds with intact heads and stems

Color: Dark brown to reddish-brown

Size: 10 – 15 mm length

Odor: Strong, aromatic, characteristic clove scent

Taste: Pungent, warm, slightly sweet, and bitter

Chemical Specifications:

Moisture: ≤ 11%

Total Ash: ≤ 7%

Acid Insoluble Ash: ≤ 1%

Volatile Oil (Eugenol content): ≥ 15% (typically 16–20%)

Non-volatile Ether Extract: ≥ 10%

Extraneous Matter: ≤ 0.5%

Eugenol Content: 70–85% (depending on origin)

Microbiological Standards:

Total Plate Count: ≤ 10,000 cfu/g

Yeast & Mold: ≤ 1,000 cfu/g

Salmonella: Absent / 25g

E. coli: Absent / g

Aflatoxins: Within EU & FDA permissible limits

Grades:

Handpicked Select (HPS): Large, uniform buds, intact heads, minimal stems

FAQ (Fair Average Quality): Standard grade with mixed sizes

Ground Cloves: Fine powder, 60–80 mesh

Packaging:

Whole: 25 kg / 50 kg jute or PP bags with inner liner

Ground: 25 kg kraft paper bags with polyethylene liner

Retail Packs: 100 g / 200 g / 500 g jars or pouches (as required)

Customized / private labeling available

Storage & Shelf Life:

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight

Whole cloves shelf life: up to 24 months

Ground cloves shelf life: 12 months

Usage:

Food industry: Spices, seasonings, bakery, confectionery

Pharmaceutical & nutraceutical applications (digestive, antiseptic)

Cosmetic & perfumery (aromatic oils, eugenol extraction)