Crimson and Clove(r)

The Clove:
An International Divide


From Indonesia to China and from Portugal to the Netherlands, a single, small spice has crossed borders, oceans, and generations. Classified as a member of the plant family Myrtaceae, the Clove has been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes for hundreds of years.

According to sources, the Clove’s botanical name “Caryophyllus aromaticus is derived from the Latin "clavus" which means nail because of the shape resemblance.”.

The Han Dynasty in China first recorded the concept of Cloves as a “chicken-tongue spice.” Following the 8th century, cloves became a major commodity in Europe, particularly following the discovery of clove forests in Indonesia.

Throughout history, Cloves have increased in value, expense and worth. According to lore, wars have been fought and families divided over clove forest rights.

Cloves were first found in the Moluccas, but the name can be traced to “clou” of the Anglo-Lat. Clou is similar to the Latin cl{amac}vus meaning nail, which was also used as a lineal measure. However, the word also seems to derive from the French “Clou” referring to its shape, ie. full clou de girofle, ‘girofle nail’
Clou was apparently added to the original name “girofle” which characterized the resemblance of a single bud of the girofle, with its stalk and “nail.”
Phonetically and spelling-wise, the English terminology suggests the original term to be “clowe” or “cloue” which should have become “clow.” However, in the 15th-16th century, it became “cloue” and later the “u” became a “v.”

But what is it about this spice? After all, while many people on the street can offer suggestions of use (that’s the thing in the oranges right? Or- that’s what you put in potpourri right?) Only a few people on the street can actually define it. (Trust us, we asked- although perhaps it was the demographic….hmmm.)
Think holiday season: cooking a Ham with cloves brings out amazing flavor. Try studding oranges with cloves for incredible aroma. Potpourri is always a favorite, filling a bag with cloves and dried fruits or leaves.

Other etymological notes:

Clove oil: natural analgesic used primarily in dentistry
Clover: small herbaceous plants from the pea family Fabaceae.: ie. the Shamrock/4-leaf clover
From the Moluccus to China and China to England, the clove has been popularized throughout history. So, over and over, even if you don’t hardly know her, the Clove has risen from the French and the Anglo Clou description of a nail to the modern day Cloue turned Clove.