Difference Between Cloves & Bay Leaves

Cloves

• The parts of the clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum or Eugenia caryophyllus) commonly used for the spice called cloves are its unopened flower buds. Clove was originally found on Moluccas, known as "Spice Island," in Indonesia. It's also grown in Tanzania, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Malayasia and India. The first recorded use of cloves was in China in 207 B.C. Cloves were taken to India about 1800 by the East India Co. Clove trees take seven years to start producing flower buds and reach their peak at 15 to 20 years. Cloves must be picked by hand when the flower buds are completely developed. An average 15-year-old tree yields 16,000 to 20,000 clove buds.

Bay Leaves

• The bay, or sweet bay, tree (Laurus nobilis) originated in the Mediterranean area. Traditionally, it was used as medicine for a variety of ailments and also was believed to have almost magical protective properties. Bay was thought to provide protection against lightning strikes and other natural disasters. Bay leaves were woven into the laurel wreaths worn by the elite in ancient Rome as a symbol of victory or success. Bay leaves are still used in wreaths because of their pleasant scent.

In the Kitchen

• The spices cloves and bay leaves are used in different ways in a kitchen. Cloves may be used whole or ground. Cloves often are used in preparing squash, carrots, pumpkin pie and other pumpkin dishes as well as apple pie. Bay leaves are used with beef, tomatoes, soups and sauces. It's important to remove whole cloves and bay leaves before serving a dish.

In the Garden

• The clove tree is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plant hardiness zones 10 through 11 but typically is grown only in wet, tropical areas around the Indian Ocean. Bay tree, however, is grown in the United States. It is hardy in USDA zones 7 through 10, where it can be grown outdoors in the ground year-round, and in cooler areas it can be grown in a container and taken inside before frost. During winter, the tree can be kept in a cool, shady room with a temperature of 35 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit and very lightly watered, or it can be kept in a sunny, warmer room and watered regularly. The bay tree needs a substantial amount of water. Its leaves should be harvested in midsummer, and the tree should be pruned when it's not growing actively.