Cloves (Eugenia caryophyllata) have a distinctive,
concentrated aroma, which is sweet and penetrating. Native to
the spice islands of Indonesia, cloves are grown across the world
in areas with tropical climates such as Brazil, Madagascar, and
India.
Cloves have a long and celebrated history. Highly prized
in Roman times, cloves derive their name from the Latin
clavus, which means "nail," owing to clove buds' rather
pointed shape. Cloves were also valued in ancient Chinese
civilization as well as the Middle East.
Culinary Uses of Cloves
Beyond their use for incense (and cigarettes-don't get Dr. Ayala
started on that), clove buds are often used as a spice for cooking.
However, due to their strong flavor, only small amounts of
clove are required when cooking, especially when dried and
ground. Today, cloves flavor many meat dishes from the Middle
East and North Africa. They are also often used in teas and
are believed to have various medicinal properties, particularly
related to the stomach.
Enjoy the rich and penetrating flavor of cloves in Cloves
Cardamom Cinnamon Herbal Water.