Clove (Zerof): The Spice that Defines Mauritian Flavors~
The Spice that Defines Mauritian Flavour Introduction: Mauritian Cuisine is known for its rich tapestry of flavours, where the influences of Africa, India, Europe and Madagascar merge to create something uniquely Mauritian. One spice that plays a vital role in this blend is Clove , or Zerof in Mauritian Creole. It is used generously in traditional dishes, clove is more than an ingredient, it is a connection to Mauritius' history and cultural roots. A historical Journey with Zerof: Long time ago, clove was introduced by a French botanist named Pierre Poivre between the 17th-18th century when the Dutch had invaded Mauritius at that time and Mauritius was called “Isle de France” back then. Pierre Poivre planted them in the famed SSR Botanical Garden in the northwest region. Poivre’s ambition was to cultivate valuable spices on the island, making Mauritius a center for spice production. Today, clove remains a treasured ingredient, carrying forward Poivre’s l...