Healthy Food Database

Cloves

Cloves are an ancient spice.
Trade between the "clove island" Ternate and China goes back at least 2500 years. In China, cloves were not only used for cooking but also for deodorisation; anyone having an audience with the emperor had to chew cloves to prevent any undesired smell. The most important production area today is the island of Pemba. The whole island is covered with clove gardens, and it is reported that the island can be smelled on any ship approaching it. Almost every cuisine around the world uses cloves, although interestingly, in Indonesia, where the tree also grows prolifically, it is used to make cigarettes and not in the food.

Cloves traditionally marry with apples, but can be used in small quantities in sweet spice mixes and curries. To rid the house of an unpleasant smell lay a couple of cloves on the electric ring of the hotplate and turn the rings to a low heat. This won't work with gas, of course. Biting on a clove will release a numbing oil which can be used as temporary toothache relief.

Category: Spice

In Season: all year

To Buy:

Buy dried, whole or ground from a specialised spice store or a store where you are assured of a high turnover of product.

To Store:

Store in an airtight container in the pantry. Whole cloves, stored properly, will last for many years. Ground cloves are at their best for about 15 months after purchase.

Tips & Tricks:

Cloves traditionally marry with apples, but can be used in small quantities in sweet spice mixes and curries. To rid the house of an unpleasant smell lay a couple of cloves on the electric ring of the hotplate and turn the rings to a low heat. This won't work with gas, of course. Biting on a clove will release a numbing oil which can be used as temporary toothache relief.

Cooking Tips:

Cloves are delicious in sweet spice blends for fruit cakes, pickles, preserved meats and curries.

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Nutrition per 100 Grams:

Amines:

Low

Glutamates:

n/a

Salicylates:

High

Benefits the Following Health Conditions:*

Bacterial Infections

Digestive Disorders

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* This information is sourced by a qualified naturopath. It is non prescriptive and not intended as a cure for the condition. Recommended intake is not provided. It is no substitute for the advice and treatment of a professional practitioner.

Disclaimer:
The Food Coach provides all content as is, without warranty. The Food Coach is not responsible for errors or omissions, or consequences of improper preparation, user allergies, or any other consequence of food preparation or consumption.