Clove
Ceylon Cloves, grown mainly in the central and coastal regions of Sri Lanka, are renowned for their strong aroma, rich flavor, and high oil content. These dried flower buds from the Syzygium aromaticum tree are carefully handpicked and sun-dried, preserving their natural qualities. Sri Lanka’s cloves are highly sought after in global spice markets due to their superior essential oil concentration and consistent quality. They are widely used in culinary applications, perfumes, and traditional medicines worldwide.
Export Grades
Sri Lankan cloves are classified into key export grades based on their size, color, oil content, and appearance. These grades—Hand Picked (HP), Cloves FAQ (Fair Average Quality), Clove Stems, and Clove Powder—ensure international buyers receive cloves that match specific culinary, medicinal, or industrial needs. Each grade reflects Sri Lanka’s commitment to supplying premium spices across global markets.
Grade 1 (Gr.1)
The highest quality cloves, carefully selected for uniform size, deep color, and strong aroma. Ideal for gourmet cooking, luxury spice blends, and export to premium global markets.
Grade 2 (Gr.2)
Good quality cloves with slight variations in size and color. Balanced flavor and aroma make this grade perfect for everyday cooking, spice blends, and cost-effective exports.
Grade 3 (Gr.3)
Lower grade cloves with more headless pieces and mixed sizes. Commonly used for oil extraction, medicinal preparations, and industrial flavoring where appearance is less important.
Clove Powder
Clove powder is made by finely grinding dried buds and occasionally mixing with clove stems.
Export Grades of Ceylon Cloves
Sri Lankan cloves are classified into key export grades based on their size, color, oil content, and appearance. These grades—Hand Picked (HP), Cloves FAQ (Fair Average Quality), Clove Stems, and Clove Powder—ensure international buyers receive cloves that match specific culinary, medicinal, or industrial needs. Each grade reflects Sri Lanka’s commitment to supplying premium spices across global markets.
Hand Picked (HP) Cloves
Hand Picked cloves are the finest grade, carefully selected for their uniform size, dark brown to reddish color, and high oil content. These cloves are aromatic, with an intense flavor and superior appearance, making them ideal for gourmet cooking, confectionery, and premium spice blends. HP cloves represent Sri Lanka’s top-quality offering and are the most sought-after in high-end markets across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Cloves FAQ (Fair Average Quality)
FAQ grade cloves are widely exported and represent a balance between quality and affordability. While they may not be as uniform as Hand Picked cloves, they still maintain a good oil percentage, rich flavor, and strong aroma. This grade is often used for everyday cooking, mass-market spice blends, and food manufacturing, ensuring consistent taste while remaining cost-effective for bulk buyers and exporters
Clove Stems
Clove stems are the dried stems collected during the harvesting process. Though not as rich as the buds themselves, they contain essential oils and are used in oil extraction, medicinal preparations, and incense. Clove stems offer an economical alternative for industries seeking flavoring agents or natural extracts, making them a valuable by-product in Sri Lanka’s spice export market.