What is Cloves?:
Cloves is listed on Dr. Sebi’s nutritional guide, under ‘Spices & Seasonings’.
Cloves are aromatic flower buds derived from the clove tree, scientifically known as Syzygium aromaticum. These buds are widely used as a spice and have a strong, sweet, and pungent flavor. Cloves have been used for centuries in various culinary and medicinal applications.
Scientific Name: Scientific Name: Syzygium aromaticum
Other Names:
Cloves are known by various names in different languages and regions. Some common names include:
- French: Clou de girofle
- Spanish: Clavo de olor
- Hindi: Laung
- Chinese: 丁香 (Dīngxiāng)
Habitat:
Cloves are native to the Moluccas, a group of islands in Indonesia, but they are also cultivated in other tropical regions such as Madagascar, Zanzibar, and Sri Lanka. The clove tree thrives in warm, humid climates.
Description:
- Cloves are the dried, unopened flower buds of the clove tree. They are small, dark brown, and have a distinctive nail-like shape.
- The flavor of cloves is strong, warm, and slightly sweet, with a pungent aroma.
- Clove trees are evergreen and can reach a height of up to 8-12 meters.
Status:
Cloves are widely cultivated and readily available in the global spice market.
Species of Cloves:
There is one primary species of cloves:
- Syzygium aromaticum
Known Species of Cloves:
Syzygium aromaticum is the primary species used in the production of cloves.
Wild Species of Cloves:
- Wild clove trees can be found in their native habitat in the Moluccas and other tropical regions. These wild trees are the source of the cultivated varieties.
Benefits of Cloves:
Cloves have several benefits, including:
- Antioxidant Properties: Cloves are rich in antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals.
- Anti-Inflammatory: They have anti-inflammatory properties that can help with conditions like arthritis.
- Pain Relief: Clove oil can be used topically for toothaches and as a natural analgesic.
- Digestive Aid: Cloves can aid digestion and relieve flatulence.
- Respiratory Health: They are used in traditional remedies to alleviate respiratory issues.
- Antibacterial: Cloves exhibit antibacterial properties and can help fight infections.
Mineral Content:
- Cloves are a good source of various minerals, including manganese, potassium, and magnesium.
Medicinal Value:
- Clove oil is used in traditional medicine to alleviate toothaches and as a remedy for various ailments.
- It is also used in aromatherapy for its soothing and stress-relieving properties.
Culinary Uses:
- Cloves are a popular spice used in a variety of dishes, especially in baking and curries.
- They are often used in pickling, spiced drinks like mulled wine, and as a flavoring for ham or other meats.
Contraindications/Precautions:
- While cloves are generally safe when used in cooking, excessive consumption of clove oil or cloves can lead to health issues, and it should be used in moderation.
- Some individuals may be allergic to cloves and should avoid them.
Research Information:
Numerous studies have investigated the medicinal and therapeutic properties of cloves, particularly their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. For specific research studies, you may refer to scientific databases and literature.
Cloves Spice Recipes:
Spiced Tea:
Ingredients: hibiscus tea, cloves, cardamom, ginger, hempseed milk, date sugar.
Instructions: Brew tea with spices, hempseed milk, and date sugar for a fragrant and soothing beverage.
Cloves-Infused Curry:
Ingredients: Vegetables, onions, ginger, cherry or plum tomatoes, cloves, and various spices.
Instructions: Sauté onions and ginger, add tomatoes and spices, and cook with vegetables for a flavorful stew.
References:
– Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry. First published in Mem. Amer. Acad. Arts, n.s., 18: 196 (1939): https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:601421-1
– Cloves – National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/251.html#Safety
– Clove – Spices Board India. https://indianspices.com/spice-catalog/clove.html
