It is often said that looks can be deceptive. You can see the truth in this statement when you come across the spice called cloves. 

These buds, also known as Syzygium Aromaticum, are tiny in size. They, at first sight, remind you of the miniature cartoon character called Thumbelina. Their essence, however, is not a fairytale.  Regardless of the size of these floral buds, they contain amazing benefits.  

The History Of Cloves

Cloves have been cherished for centuries It was once regarded in the 17th century, as the Britannica puts it,  "as an enterprise of ancient origins and great cultural and economic significance"

Cloves are believed to have originated from  Spice Island in Indonesia. Because of their significance economically, most clove plantations in Indonesia were destroyed in the 17th century by the Dutch to make the supply of the spice lower than the demand thereby increasing prices at the international markets.  That drastic method was a great success.  

These Thumbelina-sized buds were even smuggled by the French in the 18th century. They were used as barter items in the Silk Routes that existed from 130 B.C.E to 1453 C.E.  In  China, it is still listed as one of the five most important spices.  

They were used as incense in Egyptian temples and also for embalming the dead.  Ancient Europeans strung and wore them around their necks. This was done to ward off diseases.  

Some people still believe cloves can ward off evil and bring good luck and favours when added to water and used to bathe. 

What are the other many benefits of these small dark brown flowers that make them not only a staple in kitchens around the world but also important additions to herbal medicine?  

Let's take a closer look at cloves and what makes them so special. 

Its Flavour And Aroma

One of the notable characteristics of cloves is their smell and taste. It has a strong, spicy scent that emits a fruity fragrance.

It tastes sweet and almost bitter at the same time. Its aromatic qualities make it a valuable addition to both sweet and savory dishes. When mixed with other spices to make a blend, they add depth to the flavor and aroma. 

The Use Of Cloves In The Kitchen 

Cloves are versatile spices. Their distinctive flavoring makes them a great addition to meat, especially chicken.  They can also be used as flavoring in savory dishes like curries and stews.  You can also add them to spice up your rice dishes making them taste heavenly. 

They can also be boiled and drunk as tea. They can be added to dishes in their whole forms or ground to powder. 

The Health Benefits Of Cloves

Beyond their culinary contributions, cloves have earned a reputation as a natural remedy for several health issues. 

• They have the highest rate of antioxidant content.  It contains a high level of Eugenol which can destroy any oxidizing agent in the human body. This characteristic makes it great at correcting chronic heart diseases and relieving oxidative stress. 

• Cloves are also used to reduce inflammation because of the presence of Eugenol, which also has anti-inflammatory properties. When clove oil is applied to inflamed areas of the body caused by Psoriatic Arthritis,  it reduces pain and swelling. It is also used to give relief for toothaches,  headaches and migraines,  coughs, touches of flu, and sore throats.  

• They also have antimicrobial properties. They tend to destroy unwanted bacteria in the intestinal system when ingested. 

• They aid male and female reproductive health. They boost immunity, fight sexually transmitted infections, and balance reproductive hormones thereby enhancing fertility.  

Incorporating cloves into your diet can be a tasty way to rid yourself of diseases that are potential threats to your physical well-being. 

In Conclusion 

Whether you add cloves to your meals after grinding them into powder,  drink them as tea, or use them in combination with other spices and herbs,  cloves should be used in moderation. It's advisable to chew three pieces of cloves daily or take a teaspoon of ground cloves.  

This captivating and invigorating spice with its woody aromatic flavor and distinct tiny buds is indeed a must-have in your kitchen.