By Indonesia Gastronomy Network
In collaboration with Negeri Rempah Foundation
Gezicht op het eiland Ternate (1682) by Kip, JohannesRijksmuseum
Cloves originate from Indonesia, to be precise in Moluccas, which is also known as the 'Spice Islands', including Ternate, Tidore, Moti, Makian, and Bacan.
Outside the Moluccas, cloves are grown in Java and Sulawesi.
Indonesia was the largest producer of cloves and account for 75% of global production. Indonesia, being the largest producer of cloves, is also the largest consumer in the world. Indonesia consumes around 90% of its own clove production.
Clove Flowers (2019-07-17) by Josh Catti Rahadi (Negeri Rempah Foundation)Indonesia Gastronomy Network
Initially, traders from Persia and Arabia introduced cloves to Europe.
This endemic spice became the driving force for Europe to explore the oceans, starting in 1512 when the Portuguese first set foot in Moluccas. Under the leadership of Alfonso de Albuquerque. This spice is also a favourite for Spain, the Netherlands, and Britain.
The harvest age of cloves tree starts from 4 years.
The harvesting process can also be done many times on the same tree, regularly each year. The tree itself can grow to 20 meters and begins to be harvested when it is 6-8 years old.
Clove Buds (2019-07-18) by Josh Catti Rahadi (Negeri Rempah Foundation)Indonesia Gastronomy Network
Clover buds are picked when they are still red. When the stems are pressed with your nails, the cloves will release a fragrant oil. The essential oil in cloves reaches 15%, with the most substances inside called eugenol reaches between 70 to 85%.
Cloves in Moluccas Streets (2019-07-18) by Josh Catti Rahadi (Negeri Rempah Foundation)Indonesia Gastronomy Network
No wonder the streets in Moluccas are filled with the delicious aroma of cloves. The ready cloves, which are shiny cloves, are easily broken with the fingers and the moisture content has reached about 10-12%.
The oldest clove trees at Mount Gamalama are called Afo.
Afo I clove tree is dead, reaching 416 years old. The Afo II tree had fallen in 2019 (260 years old). Now, there is only one oldest clove tree left, Afo III, which has reached 230 years old.
Nasi Kuning Ternate (2019-07-17) by Josh Catti Rahadi (Negeri Rempah Foundation)Indonesia Gastronomy Network
In Moluccas, cloves are used for cooking Nasi Kuning, regularly eaten as a regular breakfast for Moluccas people. The yellow color is from another spice called turmeric. It is served with fried noodle, shredded cakalang fish, or with chicken.
Rendang (2021-05-14) by Cahyadi Putra (Negeri Rempah Foundation)Indonesia Gastronomy Network
Besides adding fragrant aroma to the food, cloves can neutralize the smell of meat ingredients. This spice is also used in curry and stews.
In ‘merendang ’ process, the meat (generally) is slow-cooked and braised in a coconut milk with spice mixture. Rendang can be easily found in Padangnese restaurants (outside Sumatra) or can be found during Moslem’s festive days, such as Eid al-Fitr.
Cloves can be used to treat gastroenteritis, nausea, asthma, tuberculosis, dyspepsia, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal pain, indigestion, stomach acid, and impotence. Cloves are also used as painkillers.
Text:
Cahyadi Putra
Image and Design:
Josh Catti Rahadi (photographer), Cahyadi Putra (photographer), Jemi Monoarfa (photographer), Muzakki Wisanggeni (layouter)
This exhibition is part of Indonesia Gastronomy Network, in association with Google Arts & Culture and Negeri Rempah Foundation.
