Usage
According to FAO 2005 data, 80% of the world's cloves are produced in Indonesia. Madagascar and Tanzania rank second and third respectively.
Cloves are used in cooking either whole or in powder form. Because of its strong aroma, a small amount is enough.
It is used in almost all countries of Europe and Asia. In Indonesia, cloves are used as a flavoring in cigarettes called kretek.
Chinese and Japanese use cloves as incense.
Cloves have long been used in Indian subcontinent cuisine. It is also used in Mexican food.
In these areas, cloves are used with cumin and cinnamon.