Cloves Whole

With its uniquely warming, sweet and aromatic flavour, the clove spice has been enjoyed for centuries in cooking and as a medicine in many ancient civilizations. Like many other pungent spices, cloves are native to the Moluccas (formerly known as the spice Islands of Indonesia).  The cloves themselves come from the rich brown unopened flower buds of the Syzygim aromaticum plant, an evergreen tree belonging to the myrtle family. Cloves are usually hand picked by whilst the flower is still pink, and dried until they turn their distinct brown colour.

In the Kitchen:

Cloves are also often used to flavour baked hams, oranges, apples or onions by inserting the whole clove into the centre before baking. They also make a great addition to curries, dahls and or spicy soups.

Interesting Facts about Cloves:

The name comes from the French “clou” meaning nail. Cloves come from Madagascar, Indonesia and Sri Lanka

Medicinally Clove is consumed as a tea known to stimulate blood flow, saliva production and gastric secretions in aiding digestion.

Cloves are said to be a great all round healer with the properties of antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, antispasmodic, antiviral, antiparasitic, analgesic, and simulative.