Everything You Need to Know About Clove
If you’ve ever come across an oddly-shaped, pungent but warm and fiery spice in your grandma’s spice rack, it was probably clove. Known for their intense flavor and aroma, cloves are powerful spice berries used all over the world for their unique taste and medicinal properties.
The History and Origination of Cloves
Cloves, or Syzygium aromaticum as they are known scientifically, are native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia. A prized spice for thousands of years, cloves have been traced back to ancient civilizations in China and India. The word ‘clove’ was derived from the Latin word Clavus, meaning ‘nail’, due to the resemblance of the spice to small nails. Britannica offers an extensive look into the fascinating history of cloves, if you’re interested in digging a little deeper.
Alternative Names for Cloves
In different regions across the globe, cloves are known by various names. In Spain, they’re called ‘clavos’, in France ‘clous de girofle’, and in Germany ‘Nelken. Cloves also have different names in various languages in India, like ‘Laung’ in Hindi, ‘Lavangam’ in Telugu, and ‘Grambu’ in Tamil. This single spice unites myriad cuisines, highlighting its universal appeal.
Health Benefits of Cloves
Aside from their culinary uses, cloves have long been recognized for their potential health benefits. They are renowned for their antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal properties, which can help the body fight off infections. In many parts of the world, cloves are also used for minor dental procedures as they contain eugenol, a compound proven to act as a natural anesthetic.
Moreover, cloves are rich in antioxidants, particularly a compound named eugenol, which can help prevent damage caused by free radicals. According to a Healthline piece, systematic consumption of cloves might also promote liver health, regulate blood sugar levels, reduce stomach ulcers, and may even have potent cancer-fighting properties.
In a nutshell, including cloves in your diet not only adds an aromatic depth to your dishes, but also bestows a plethora of health benefits. So the next time you’re looking to spice things up in the kitchen, don’t forget to reach for those little spice nails.
Clove Recipe Ideas
- Spiced Honey Glazed Carrots with Clove
- Mulled Wine with Clove and Cinnamon
- Apple Pie with Clove
- Clove and Orange Infused Cranberry Sauce
- Pumpkin Pie with Clove Spice
- Cinnamon and Clove Infused Hot Chocolate
- Warming Clove and Cinnamon Cider
- Spiced Clove and Berry Compote
- Clove-spiked Red Cabbage and Apple
- Maple and Clove Roasted Sweet Potatoes
