The Clove Route

In ancient times cloves were almost as valuable as gold. They grew only in the Spice Islands of Indonesia and were traded vast distances. This Clove Route stretched north to Malaya and China, and west to India, the Middle East and the Roman Empire. Later the French broke the clove monopoly by introducing them to the African regions of Madagascar and Zanzibar, which became the largest clove producers. We bring to you a selection of dishes that highlight the wonderful ingredients and culinary diversity of the Clove Route.