Detailed Specification for Nigerian Cloves
1. Product Description:
• Botanical Name: Syzygium aromaticum
• Origin: Nigeria
• Type: Whole dried cloves, consisting of unopened flower buds.
2. Physical Characteristics:
• Appearance: Dark brown to reddish-brown whole buds, uniform in size and free from debris.
• Size: Typically 10-15 mm in length, with an intact round head and stem.
• Aroma & Flavor: Strong, warm, and spicy aroma with a slightly sweet flavor, characteristic of high oil content.
• Taste: Rich and pungent with a slight bitterness, ideal for both culinary and medicinal uses.
3. Chemical Composition:
• Moisture Content: Maximum 10-12%, which ensures cloves remain dry and resistant to mold growth.
• Volatile Oil Content: Minimum 15%, primarily consisting of eugenol, which gives cloves their distinctive aroma and medicinal properties.
• Ash Content: Not more than 5%, ensuring purity and quality.
• Eugenol Content: Minimum 70-85% of the volatile oil, ideal for both flavor and therapeutic applications.
4. Quality Standards:
• Purity: 99% purity, with a maximum of 1% foreign matter, such as dust or stems.
• Free From: Mold, insect infestation, pesticide residues, and any additives or contaminants.
• Grading: Classified by size, color, and oil content to meet export standards and buyer specifications.
5. Harvest and Seasonality:
• Harvest Period: Main harvest occurs between September and November in Nigeria.
• Processing: Cloves are hand-harvested at peak maturity, sun-dried to retain flavor and aroma, and thoroughly cleaned to remove impurities.
6. Packaging:
• Bag Type: Typically packed in 25-50 kg breathable jute or polypropylene bags.
• Labeling: Each bag is labeled with the origin (Nigeria), net weight, harvest date, and batch number for traceability and quality assurance.
• Storage: Stored in cool, dry conditions away from direct sunlight to maintain quality, with recommended air circulation to avoid moisture accumulation.
7. Applications:
• Culinary Use: Widely used in cooking for its strong aroma and flavor, especially in spice blends, marinades, and sauces.
• Medicinal Use: Commonly used in herbal and traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pain-relief properties.
• Industrial Use: Extracted oil used in cosmetics, fragrances, and aromatherapy products.
8. Payment Terms:
• T/T (Telegraphic Transfer): 30% advance payment upon order confirmation, with the remaining 70% paid before shipment or 100% upon shipment.
• L/C (Letter of Credit): Available as Irrevocable L/C at sight or Usance L/C for deferred payment (30-60 days after shipment).
9. Shelf Life:
• When stored properly, Nigerian cloves have a shelf life of 2-3 years without significant loss of flavor or quality.
10. Compliance and Standards:
• Meets international standards for food safety, including ISO and HACCP certifications, ensuring suitability for global markets.
Nigerian cloves are known for their robust aroma and high eugenol content, making them highly desirable for various applications in the food, medicinal, and cosmetic industries.