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Aromatic Flower Bud
- FSSAI Certified
- ISO 22000
- Organic Available
- Non-GMO
Premium Flower Bud Spice \u2014 Export Grade
Cloves Exporter India \u2014 Premium Whole & Ground Cloves
Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry | Syn: Eugenia caryophyllus | Family: Myrtaceae
UnitedSpices is a trusted cloves exporter in India, supplying the dried, unopened flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum from the spice-growing belts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Hand-harvested at the precise bud stage before flowering, our cloves deliver an intensely warm, penetrating aroma driven by exceptionally high eugenol content — typically 72–90% of the essential oil fraction, GC-MS verified on every batch. Sourced and processed to the same rigorous quality standards we apply across our range, including our cinnamon, black pepper and green cardamom.
Eugenol Content72% – 90%
Essential Oil Content15% – 22% v/w
OriginKerala & Tamil Nadu, India
MoistureMax 12%
Min. Order Qty500 kg
Export MarketsUSA, EU, UAE, Egypt, Japan
Available Forms
- GC-MS Lab Tested
- Worldwide Export
- Bulk Pricing Available
- Dedicated Support
About Our Cloves
Cloves have commanded the spice trade for millennia — once so precious that entire wars were fought over their cultivation. Today, India is a significant cultivator and exporter of premium cloves, with Kerala’s warm coastal belt and the hill districts of Tamil Nadu producing flower buds of exceptional aromatic intensity. The word “clove” derives from the Latin clavus (nail), a nod to the distinctive nail-shaped bud that has defined commerce, medicine and cuisine across civilisations.
At UnitedSpices, cloves are hand-harvested before the bud opens — the critical window when eugenol concentration peaks — then sun-dried under controlled conditions for 4–5 days until they reach the characteristic dark brown colour and moisture below 12%. Every batch is processed at our ISO 22000-certified facility, under the same estate-to-shipment protocols that govern our cinnamon and black pepper exports, with eugenol content, moisture and microbial parameters verified before packing.
Why Choose Our Cloves?
- Consistently high eugenol content (72–90%) — GC-MS verified per export consignment
- High essential oil yield: 15–22% v/w, superior to many commodity-grade origins
- Hand-harvested at bud stage — optimal for whole bud, oil and oleoresin markets
- Clove stems available separately — preferred for essential oil extraction
- Multiple commercial grades: Premium (SB1/SB2), Standard and Industrial
- Custom powder fineness: 20, 40, 60, 80 mesh available
- Full aflatoxin, pesticide residue and heavy metal profiling per EU regulations
- Organic (NPOP/NOP), Halal and Kosher certifications available on request
Product Identity
| Common Names | Cloves, Laung, Lavang |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry |
| Synonym | Eugenia caryophyllus |
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Part Used | Dried, unopened flower buds; also stems |
| Country of Origin | India |
| Growing Regions | Kerala (Kozhikode, Thrissur), Tamil Nadu |
| Harvest Season | October – February (main); May – July (secondary) |
| HS Code | 0907 10 00 (Whole) / 0907 20 00 (Ground) |
Sensory Profile
| Colour (Whole Buds) | Dark reddish-brown to nearly black |
|---|---|
| Colour (Powder) | Medium to dark warm brown |
| Aroma | Intensely warm, sweet, penetrating, spicy-woody |
| Taste | Intensely pungent, hot, spicy; numbing sensation (eugenol effect) |
| Texture (Whole Buds) | Firm, intact bud with attached stem; sinks in water when high in oil |
| Stem-to-Bud Ratio | Stem ≤ 40% of total weight (ASTA standard) |
Commercial Grades & Procurement Standards
Cloves are graded based on bud integrity, stem proportion, moisture content, essential oil yield and the presence of any admixture. Indian cloves follow ASTA (American Spice Trade Association), Spices Board of India and ISO 2254 grading standards. We supply all major commercial grades and can customise specifications to buyer-specific requirements.
Whole Clove Bud Grades
| Grade | Bud Integrity | Eugenol | Moisture Max | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium / SB1 | ≥98% whole, intact buds; stem fully attached | 85 – 90% | 12% | Gourmet retail, premium foodservice, pharmaceutical |
| SB2 Grade | ≥95% whole buds; low admixture | 78 – 88% | 12% | Wholesale export, food manufacturing, spice blends |
| Standard (BKK) | ≥90% whole buds; some discolouration permitted | 72 – 82% | 13% | Bakery, confectionery, industrial spice blends |
| Industrial Grade | Broken buds, detached heads, high stem content | 72 – 80% | 13% | Oleoresin extraction, essential oil distillation |
Clove Stems (Shanks)
| Form | Eugenol | Essential Oil | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clove Stems (Whole) | 60 – 75% | 6 – 10% | Essential oil distillation, oleoresin, flavour extracts |
| Clove Stems (Broken) | 55 – 70% | 5 – 8% | Industrial extraction, distillation feedstock |
Clove Powder Grades
| Grade | Mesh Size | Eugenol | Moisture Max | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Powder | 80 mesh (fine) | 72 – 85% | 12% | Bakery, confectionery, seasoning blends, beverages |
| Standard Powder | 40 / 60 mesh | 68 – 80% | 12% | Food manufacturing, meat processing, spice mixes |
| Coarse Powder | 20 mesh | 65 – 78% | 12% | Pickles, marinades, industrial seasoning, oleoresin feedstock |
Adulteration Awareness: The Float Test & GC-MS Verification
Clove adulteration is common in global trade. Exhausted cloves — buds from which essential oil has already been steam-distilled — are sometimes mixed with genuine whole buds; they float horizontally in water instead of vertically, and appear shrunken. Clove stems are also sometimes ground and blended into clove powder to reduce cost. Every UnitedSpices consignment undergoes GC-MS analysis to confirm eugenol content, essential oil percentage and the absence of extracted or adulterated material, with a full Certificate of Analysis issued with every shipment. We do not supply exhausted or reconstituted clove products.
Why Eugenol Content Defines Clove Quality
Eugenol is the primary active compound in cloves, responsible for their characteristic aroma, flavour, antimicrobial properties and therapeutic applications, including topical use in dental products. Our premium whole buds consistently deliver 72–90% eugenol in the essential oil fraction, GC-MS verified on every export batch.
72–90%
Eugenol in Essential Oil
Chemical & Essential Oil Parameters
| Eugenol Content | 72 – 90% of essential oil |
|---|---|
| Eugenol Acetate | 2 – 9% of essential oil |
| β-Caryophyllene | 5 – 12% of essential oil |
| Total Essential Oil (Buds) | 15 – 22% v/w |
| Total Essential Oil (Stems) | 6 – 10% v/w |
| Total Ash | Max 8.0% |
| Acid-Insoluble Ash | Max 0.5% |
Physical & Quality Parameters
| Moisture Content | Max 12% |
|---|---|
| Bud Integrity (SB1) | ≥98% whole, intact buds |
| Stem Proportion | Max 40% by weight (ASTA) |
| Extraneous Matter | Max 0.5% |
| Bud Length (Whole) | 10 – 18 mm |
| Bulk Density (Whole Buds) | 450 – 520 g/L |
| Float Test | Vertical float indicates high oil content |
Microbiological Parameters
| Total Plate Count | < 1,00,000 CFU/g |
|---|---|
| Yeast & Mould | < 1,000 CFU/g |
| E. coli | Absent / 10g |
| Salmonella | Absent / 25g |
| Staphylococcus aureus | Absent / 25g |
| Aflatoxin (B1+B2+G1+G2) | < 10 ppb (EU norm) |
| Ochratoxin A | < 3 ppb |
Contaminant & Safety Testing
| Heavy Metals — Lead (Pb) | < 1.0 ppm |
|---|---|
| Heavy Metals — Arsenic (As) | < 1.0 ppm |
| Heavy Metals — Cadmium (Cd) | < 0.2 ppm |
| Pesticide Residues | Compliant with EU MRL / FSSAI |
| GMO Status | Non-GMO verified |
| Irradiation Status | Non-irradiated (standard); on request |
| Adulteration (GC-MS) | No exhausted cloves; eugenol verified |
Nutritional Profile (per 100g, Whole Dried Buds)
| Energy | 323 kcal |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 65.5 g |
| Dietary Fibre | 26.7 g |
| Protein | 5.9 g |
| Total Fat | 13.0 g |
| Manganese | 60.1 mg |
| Vitamin K | 141.8 µg |
Shelf Life & Storage
| Shelf Life (Whole Buds) | 36 months from packing date |
|---|---|
| Shelf Life (Powder) | 24 months from packing date |
| Shelf Life (Stems) | 36 months from packing date |
| Storage Temperature | 15 – 25°C, cool and dry |
| Relative Humidity | Max 65% RH |
| Special Note | Store airtight, away from odorous products |
Culinary & Savoury Food
A cornerstone of Indian biryanis, Moroccan tagines and Indonesian rendang. Used whole to infuse stocks and braises, and ground in garam masala, ras el hanout and five-spice blends.
Bakery & Confectionery
Integral to gingerbread, Christmas cake, stollen and spiced biscuits worldwide. Clove powder delivers intense warmth at low usage levels, making it highly cost-effective at industrial scale.
Beverages & Hot Drinks
Essential in masala chai, mulled wine and craft bitters. Widely used in powdered chai blends, spiced syrups and as a flavouring in specialty coffees and herbal infusions.
Pharmaceutical & Nutraceutical
Eugenol is clinically established as a topical analgesic and antiseptic. Clove extract is widely used in antioxidant, blood-sugar-supportive and digestive-health supplements.
Dental & Oral Care
Eugenol from cloves is the foundational ingredient in zinc-oxide-eugenol dental cements, cavity liners and pulp-capping materials, and features in toothache-relief formulations and mouthwashes.
Cosmetics & Aromatherapy
Clove essential oil (diluted) is used in warming massage oils, perfumery base notes and anti-fungal skin preparations, and as a natural preservative booster in personal-care products.
Oleoresin & Extract Production
Clove stems and industrial-grade buds are the primary feedstock for clove oleoresin and eugenol extraction — concentrated flavour ingredients used by flavour houses and pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Meat Processing & Preservation
The antimicrobial properties of cloves make them a functional ingredient in sausage, salami and cured-meat formulations, and a studied natural preservative in clean-label processed meats.
Tobacco & Kretek Products
Indonesia’s signature kretek cigarettes traditionally blend tobacco with ground cloves, accounting for significant global clove consumption — Indian cloves are exported as a key ingredient in this specialised sector.
Corrugated Cartons
Double-wall export cartons (10 kg – 25 kg) with food-grade inner lining. Standard format for whole premium buds — preserves aroma and bud shape during sea freight.
PP / HDPE Woven Bags
25 kg – 50 kg polypropylene woven bags with inner moisture-barrier liner. Standard bulk format for whole buds, stems and industrial grades.
Private Label / Retail
Custom-branded jars, kraft pouches, tins and retail cartons from 25 g to 2 kg. Full private label design and printing services available.
Flexi / Jumbo Bags
500 kg – 1,000 kg FIBC bulk bags for industrial volumes of clove powder, stems and industrial-grade buds.
Port of Loading
Cochin / Tuticorin / Chennai, India
Incoterms
FOB, CIF, CFR, EXW, DAP — all terms negotiable
Lead Time
10–15 business days from order confirmation
Export Documentation Available
- Phytosanitary Certificate
- Certificate of Origin
- GC-MS Lab Analysis Report
- Certificate of Analysis (CoA)
- Fumigation Certificate
- MSDS / SDS Sheet
- Eugenol Content Declaration
- Organic Certificate (on request)
- Halal & Kosher (on request)
Our Quality Commitment
In the global clove trade, eugenol content and the absence of exhausted or adulterated buds are the paramount quality markers. Cloves are among the most frequently adulterated spices in international commerce, so at UnitedSpices every consignment undergoes GC-MS analysis at an accredited third-party laboratory to confirm eugenol content, identify the essential oil profile and detect any sign of solvent extraction or adulteration.
Our procurement network spans FSSAI-registered plantations in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where agronomic practices and post-harvest handling are monitored to ensure pesticide MRL compliance with EU and USFDA standards. Each harvest batch is traceable to a specific plantation region with harvest-date documentation.
For pharmaceutical and dental industry buyers requiring certified eugenol specifications, we can supply pharmaceutical-grade clove essential oil with specific eugenol content certificates, plus full pesticide residue documentation conforming to EC No. 396/2005 for EU market buyers.
- GC-MS verification of eugenol content and species authenticity on every export batch
- Physical float test to rule out exhausted (oil-extracted) buds
- Full pesticide residue screening (500+ compounds, EU MRL compliant)
- Aflatoxin and Ochratoxin A testing per EU regulation
- Heavy metal testing per EU Regulation 2023/915
- Full traceability from plantation to port documentation
- GMP-certified facility with ISO 22000:2018 FSMS
- Batch-specific Certificate of Analysis with every shipment
FSSAI Certified
Food Safety & Standards Authority of India — compliant processing facility.
ISO 22000:2018
Food Safety Management System certified — international quality standard.
Organic Certified
NPOP & NOP organic certification available for designated batches.
Halal Certified
Available upon request for Middle East and Southeast Asia markets.
Kosher Certified
Kosher documentation available on request for qualifying batches.
Spices Board India
Registered with the Spices Board of India — compliant and traceable export.
Cloves Export — Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from buyers sourcing whole clove buds, stems and powder from India.
What is the eugenol content in UnitedSpices cloves?
Our cloves contain 72–90% eugenol in the essential oil fraction, verified through GC-MS lab testing on every export batch — among the highest available from Indian clove-growing regions.
How do you verify that your cloves are not adulterated or exhausted?
Every consignment undergoes GC-MS analysis to confirm eugenol content and essential oil profile, plus a physical float test to rule out exhausted (oil-extracted) buds. We do not supply exhausted or reconstituted clove products.
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for cloves export?
Our standard MOQ for whole buds, stems and ground cloves is 500 kg per SKU. Smaller sample quantities are available on request for quality evaluation.
Do you supply clove stems separately from whole buds?
Yes. Clove stems are sold separately from whole buds and are preferred by essential oil and oleoresin manufacturers, alongside our whole bud, powder and essential oil offerings.
Is UnitedSpices cloves FSSAI approved and organic certified?
Yes. Our cloves are FSSAI licensed and ISO 22000:2018 certified, with organic (NPOP/NOP), Halal and Kosher certification available on request.
How can I get a price quote for bulk cloves?
Contact our export team via the Request a Quote form, WhatsApp or phone with your required grade, quantity and destination port. We typically respond within 24 hours.
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