Contents :
- What are cloves?
- The History of Cloves – Spices from the Heart of Asia
- Cloves – health properties
- Cloves – uses in the kitchen
- How often should you chew cloves?
- Cloves – contraindications
Cloves are an indispensable element of winter cooking. Their spicy aromas evoke long autumn and winter evenings, enlivened by hot tea or mulled wine. They also evoke holiday baking—spicy gingerbread or apple and cinnamon cakes. Besides their unique flavor, cloves also boast numerous health benefits .
What are cloves?
Cloves are an aromatic spice that are essentially the dried flower buds of the clove tree, also known as the Clove Tree . Native to Asia, the tree is also cultivated in Africa and South America. The clove tree thrives in tropical and maritime climates and is an evergreen tree that blooms year-round. It reaches up to 15 meters tall, grows for about 150 years, and bears fruit for about 50 years. The buds are harvested before they bloom to preserve their aroma. A drying process then follows, during which the cloves acquire their dark brown color.
Good quality cloves should be heavy and oily . They contain about 15% clove oil. When dropped into water, they should float upright and not sink.
Dried flower buds of the clove tree
The History of Cloves – Spices from the Heart of Asia
Cloves were used as early as the 3rd century BC in ancient China . It's one of the oldest spices in the world, and the first written records of it come from China. Even then, it was a luxury item, valued for its properties. The Chinese chewed cloves to freshen breath and soothe toothaches and headaches. The eugenol they contain has anti-inflammatory properties and prevents infection. This is just one of the spice's properties.
Cloves arrived in Europe in the Middle Ages with Arab traders. Europeans quickly appreciated the flavor and medicinal properties of this oriental spice, using it for various ailments. Since then, it has become a permanent fixture in our kitchens.
Today, cloves are used worldwide. In Indonesia, they are used as an aromatic addition to tobacco, Americans use them to stuff meats, and Europeans use them to make spicy cakes and breads.
Cloves – health properties
Nowadays, cloves are more commonly used in cooking as a spice, adding a unique flavor and aroma. However, for hundreds of years, they have been widely used medicinally. What are the medicinal properties of cloves?
They contain vitamins A, K, E, D, C and B vitamins, potassium, calcium, manganese, zinc, phosphorus, sodium, folic acid, selenium, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids. It is worth remembering that cloves are used in small quantities, so portions of these nutrients do not cover the daily requirement.
As for other health benefits of cloves, they are rich in antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress, which can contribute to the development of chronic diseases . Free radicals are waste products of metabolism, produced during normal physiological intracellular reactions. Excessive amounts of them may result from the body's insufficient ability to eliminate them, leading to lifestyle diseases and accelerated aging. Cloves effectively combat free radicals, supported by antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and E, copper, manganese, selenium, and zinc.
The aforementioned eugenol is responsible for the characteristic scent of cloves . This substance is a powerful antioxidant, prevents the accumulation of fat in liver cells, regulates cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and contributes to increased insulin production. This ingredient is also used for toothaches and headaches, as it has anesthetic properties.
Cloves are used to treat colds and flu . Clove oil is used to create cough syrups and inhalations that combat runny noses and sinus congestion. Furthermore, cloves are a great addition to hot beverages—tea, cocoa, mulled wine—for a warming boost on cold days.
Cloves also have beneficial effects on the digestive system . They can increase the secretion of digestive enzymes, helping to relieve indigestion and flatulence. They warm the digestive tract from the inside and improve appetite. They also aid in the healing of stomach ulcers.
To summarize, here are the medicinal properties of cloves:
- remove carcinogenic free radicals;
- have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal effects, preventing infections;
- protect the liver against fat accumulation and damage;
- regulates cholesterol and blood sugar levels;
- supports the digestive system and the treatment of stomach ulcers;
- prevent the development of cancer cells;
- relieve toothache, throat pain, headache;
- freshens breath;
- provide vitamins, minerals, antioxidants;
- warms up when combined with hot drinks;
- They add a spicy flavor and aroma to many dishes and drinks.
Cloves – uses in the kitchen
Cloves come in several forms. They are available whole or ground. Ground cloves lose their aroma more quickly, so it's best to store them in a tightly sealed container. Freshly ground cloves have a more intense, spicy aroma than whole cloves. They are also used to prepare essential oils . Clove essential oil can be used for inhalation or as an insect repellent.
Cloves are used in both forms when preparing food and beverages. They find their place in spice blends and teas. They are also an ingredient in curry powder, a spice commonly used in Indian cuisine.
Whole cloves are also added to organic tea , organic coffee , natural cocoa , compotes, mulled wine, and beer. Cinnamon, anise, Bourbon vanilla , orange slices, and optional cane sugar or natural honey are also recommended for mulled wine. Whole cloves are best in beverages; ground cloves can make the drink cloudy. Cloves are a great addition to cakes and pastries, meat marinades, red cabbage, mushrooms, and sauces.
How often should you chew cloves?
Chewing cloves is a practice invented by the ancient Chinese . Chewing cloves is said to help fight bacteria and oral infections. It produces an anesthetic effect, which is beneficial for toothaches. Cloves also freshen breath.
Chew cloves, preferably two or three times a day. Just crush a few cloves and chew for a minute.
Cloves – contraindications
As with other foods, moderation is essential. Cloves should not be consumed if allergic reactions occur . They are also not recommended for pregnant women or those with circulatory problems (high blood pressure, poor blood clotting).
You can buy cloves and many other natural products online and in our physical health food store in Krakow . We invite you to shop!
