Decoding Cloves – Origins, Health Benefits, Easy Recipe and Culinary Versatility.
Discover the rich history and various health benefits of cloves in our blog. Plus, an easy recipe for beginners to try at home and learn about their versatile culinary applications. Dive into the world of cloves with your trusted partner Abe Mart to explore the premium clove collection, featuring whole cloves and clove powder.
Clove – Mini Health Stars
Today, we shine the spotlight on cloves. Why? Well, have you heard of the blockbuster punchline ‘Two birds, One Bullet’? This tiny spice can live up to this punch line, however, in its own rendition, it embodies ‘Many Birds, One Bullet’. Shaped like a nail, it has a rich brown hue with a gently rounded head, its creasy and wrinkled texture tells us a story about the drying process along with its impact on their taste profile. Like many spices, clove too has trickled down to varied sectors, underlining its significance in the world.
Before finding out more about the multifaceted performative side of clove, we will take a quick detour to know its origins.
Where are cloves from?
The origins of the spice can be traced to the North Moluccas islands, also known as the Spice Islands, in Indonesia, where the cloves come from the flower buds of an evergreen tree that can fully mature in 20 years and bear fruits for more than 80 years. Owing to their availability confined to these islands, they were a highly prized commodity in the olden days.
A wave of excitement canopied the spice during the 15th and 16th centuries, leading to colonization and wars being waged in the name of the spice. However, now they are grown in different parts of the world, stabilizing their prices, and entering the plates of people with modest means.
The advantages of consuming clove have swept through health and wellness circles since antiquity. So, let’s see how it aces in the health department.
Health Benefits of Clove
Earlier we said ‘Many birds, one bullet’. Let’s find out how and why cloves can say that by reading about some of their health benefits:
- Protection against bacteria and fungi
Historically, Chinese royals were known to freshen their breath with cloves. These spices were also used as a food preservative – some snippets of the past, showcase the antimicrobial quality of cloves. Antimicrobial properties are a stronghold against bacteria and fungi. Eugenol in cloves can outdo the strengths of bacteria and fungi, keeping infections at bay.
- Supplying anti-inflammatory contents for overall health
Brim with compounds like eugenol, cloves’ skills in constricting inflammation to give its anti-inflammatory benefits to the body are visible. Anti-inflammatory benefits are linked to positively influence heart, joint, brain, digestive, and skin health.
- Promoting digestion
Cloves produce digestive enzymes that assist in promoting digestion. Simultaneously, it alleviates problems of gas and bloating.
- Providing oral health and hygiene
Eugenol is popular for its antiseptic properties, a notable factor in arresting germs in your mouth. This combined with the antimicrobial effects of cloves make it a desired ingredient for oral healthcare.
- Encouraging respiratory health
Anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties can checkmate infections targeting the respiratory system by reducing inflammation and warding off the growth of bacteria and fungi in the respiratory tract.
- A nutrient repository for your body
Replete with vital nutrients and minerals such as manganese, vitamins A and K, dietary fibre, potassium, iron, and calcium, cloves act as a good Samaritan ensuring the best immunity and health.
- Regulating blood sugar levels
Complementing a well-balanced diet with cloves could help in regulating blood sugar levels. Compounds in cloves are known to stimulate insulin production and reduce blood sugar, thereby regulating blood sugar levels.
Cloves were used in various cultures as a traditional remedy for ailments, highlighting their medicinal role in the past. Looks like they are a rainbow of goodness. However, keep in mind that a little goes a long way with these miniature jewels.
At the outset, we hinted at the broad reach of cloves throughout various sectors.. Food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, aromatherapy, home and craft sectors – these are some areas where we see the spice in use.
However, food and beverage sparks a special curiosity for people. Hence, we will be sharing a simple recipe for you here that can be easily made at home.
Refreshing Spice Clove Lemonade Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of squeezed fresh lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
- 4 cups of cold water
- ½ cup sugar(adjust to your preference)
- 6-8 cloves
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices and fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small pan, blend 1 cup of water and the sugar. Turn the heat to medium. Stir occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved to create a simple sweet syrup. Turn off the heat.
- Add the whole cloves to the simple syrup and let them steep for about 10-15 minutes to infuse their flavour. Then, strain the syrup to remove the cloves, and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the remaining 3 cups of cold water.
- Pour the cooled clove-infused simple syrup into the pitcher with the lemon juice and water mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Taste the lemonade and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if desired. You can also adjust the tartness by adding more lemon juice or water.
- Chill the spiced clove lemonade in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavours to meld.
- To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled spiced clove lemonade over the ice. For garnish purposes, include a slice of lime along with a sprig of mint, if needed.
- Stir gently before serving and enjoy the refreshing and aromatic flavours of this spiced clove lemonade!
This spiced clove lemonade is perfect for hot summer days or any time you’re craving a unique and flavourful beverage. The combination of tangy lemon, warm cloves, and sweet simple syrup creates a refreshing drink that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
Since food is a topic that connects people, let’s delve into the various culinary applications of cloves.
How is clove useful in a kitchen?
A flavour profile that combines spicy, bitter, and sweet notes collected a wide global reception. Cloves’ unique flavour was welcomed to collaborate with sweet and savoury, bakes, and beverages in worldwide cuisines.
Sweet or savoury – Clove has no pick!
From beef, lamb, and pork to cookies, puddings, and custards, cloves can smoothly dart and dive through dishes, adding warmth and depth while lending comforting and aromatic sweetness.
Spicy soul
Garam Masala – the heart and soul of Indian masala, is made with the cooperation of clove alongside other spices.
Hot and Cold Beverages
Clove is an ingredient that can swoop through hot and cold drinks. From warm tea, coffee, festive drinks, masala chai, to the aromatic allure of mulled wine and cider, cloves infuse beverages with warmth giving an experience of cozy snugness in each sip. They blend in with cold beverages by offering a surprising spicy twist to these drinks – spiced lemonade, fruit punch, cold brew spiced coffee, cocktails, mocktails, and iced chai latte are some of the cold servings.
Natural preservative
Cloves were often used for preserving meats, pickles, and fruits in the past. Even today, the aromatic spice is used in traditional preservation methods for pickling and preserving recipes.
Now that you have been enriched with a simple recipe and versatile uses, we think it’s time to introduce Abe Mart (to entwine your life with health and quality)
Abe Mart delivers cloves
Sourced from the supreme farms of Idukki, our cloves are available in the form of whole and powder, providing options for our customers. From our online platform, shopping seems like a walk in the park with easy navigation through categories, and the convenience of doorstep delivery throughout the nation, a fitting channel for busy individuals. So, now if you need whole cloves or clove powder you know where to click or tap.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cloves are miniature health stars offering multiple health benefits for our well-being. From their origins in the Spice Islands, they have moved around thrilling continents taking different roles such as spice, clove oil, and perfumes, amongst many others. The flavour enhancer’s health benefits supporting digestion, oral, respiratory, and immunity are undeniable. To experience taste without compromising on quality, choose Abe Mart as your right hand. Hello, why are you hanging around now? Go make your life warm, sweet, or spicy with little cloves!
Disclaimer: THIS BLOG/WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information contained in this blog is for educational and awareness purposes only. Under no circumstance should the information provided here be considered a substitute for professional medical help and should not be relied upon to treat or diagnose any medical condition. It is always advised to seek help from a qualified medical professional for your health conditions before relying on the content. Abe Mart does not accept any responsibility for any potential risk to the visitor/ reader.
