Though Indonesia is the largest producer of cloves, Zanzibar and Madagascar are the major exporters of the spice. Clove trees cover a vast area of these two islands. Madagascar cloves are considered the most superior quality. Clove is actually the dried, unopened, flower bud of a tree called Syzygium aromaticum.
A main ingredient in garam masala, it has emerged an integral part of the aromatic spice blends of Sri Lanka and India. In the US, cloves are used in meats, salads dressings and even in cookies and desserts. And did you know that it adds its rich flavour to ketchups and Worchestershire sauce, being one of the main ingredients? Chinese and German seasoning also depend heavily on cloves. Clove derives its name from the French clou, meaning nail. In Asian literature, it found its first mention during the Han period in China and it was referred to as the 'chicken-tongue spice,' perhaps because of its unusual appearance. From the 8th century onwards, it became one of the major spices in European commerce.
Clove forests were first discovered in Moluccas, Indonesia. Legend has it that whenever a child was born, parents planted a clove tree. Enchanted by its fragrance and beauty, the natives even fought wars to secure exclusive rights to these lands! Today, it is widely used in Aromatherapy treatments. In India, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu are the largest producers of this spice.
Therapeutic benefits of clove
Clove, with eugenol as its main ingredient, is a natural analgesic (painkiller) with antiseptic properties, used by dentists all over the world. Available at all pharmacies over the counter, it is a quick home remedy for toothache. A whole clove or a cotton swab dipped in clove oil can give instant relief from toothache, creating a numb feeling in the affected area. A variety of today's toothpastes use clove oil, which helps prevent tooth decay.
Clove oil can be obtained from its flower buds, leaves and stem. All three kinds have eugenol as its main ingredient, along with eugenyl acetate in smaller proportions.
Clove Lowers blood glucose levels
A study presented at Experimental Biology, New Orleans, provides evidence that consuming a clove or two a day can definitely have a positive impact on your health. Research studies have proved that clove improves insulin function, lowers glucose levels in blood, and reduces cholesterol, especially in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Due to its anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties, clove oil is also an ideal remedy for acne, warts and scars. It is said to control the spread of Proprionibacterium acnes, the skin bacteria that is the primary cause of acne.
Clove oil is also used in medications as a remedy for bronchitis, common cold, sore throat, cough and fever.
There's no denying that clove is the melting pot of flavours - strong, pungent, slightly sweet and spicy too!
The most penetrating of all spices, powdered or wholesome, it finds extensive use in Indian cuisine -biryanis, sweets, pickles, ketchups, beverages, medicines, cosmetics and perfumes. It can be a wonderful mouth freshener when chewed after a meal.
A main ingredient in garam masala, it has emerged an integral part of the aromatic spice blends of Sri Lanka and India. In the US, cloves are used in meats, salads dressings and even in cookies and desserts. And did you know that it adds its rich flavour to ketchups and Worchestershire sauce, being one of the main ingredients? Chinese and German seasoning also depend heavily on cloves. Clove derives its name from the French clou, meaning nail. In Asian literature, it found its first mention during the Han period in China and it was referred to as the 'chicken-tongue spice,' perhaps because of its unusual appearance. From the 8th century onwards, it became one of the major spices in European commerce.
Clove forests were first discovered in Moluccas, Indonesia. Legend has it that whenever a child was born, parents planted a clove tree. Enchanted by its fragrance and beauty, the natives even fought wars to secure exclusive rights to these lands! Today, it is widely used in Aromatherapy treatments. In India, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu are the largest producers of this spice.
Therapeutic benefits of clove
Clove, with eugenol as its main ingredient, is a natural analgesic (painkiller) with antiseptic properties, used by dentists all over the world. Available at all pharmacies over the counter, it is a quick home remedy for toothache. A whole clove or a cotton swab dipped in clove oil can give instant relief from toothache, creating a numb feeling in the affected area. A variety of today's toothpastes use clove oil, which helps prevent tooth decay.
Clove oil can be obtained from its flower buds, leaves and stem. All three kinds have eugenol as its main ingredient, along with eugenyl acetate in smaller proportions.
Clove Lowers blood glucose levels
A study presented at Experimental Biology, New Orleans, provides evidence that consuming a clove or two a day can definitely have a positive impact on your health. Research studies have proved that clove improves insulin function, lowers glucose levels in blood, and reduces cholesterol, especially in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Due to its anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties, clove oil is also an ideal remedy for acne, warts and scars. It is said to control the spread of Proprionibacterium acnes, the skin bacteria that is the primary cause of acne.
Clove oil is also used in medications as a remedy for bronchitis, common cold, sore throat, cough and fever.
There's no denying that clove is the melting pot of flavours - strong, pungent, slightly sweet and spicy too!
The most penetrating of all spices, powdered or wholesome, it finds extensive use in Indian cuisine -biryanis, sweets, pickles, ketchups, beverages, medicines, cosmetics and perfumes. It can be a wonderful mouth freshener when chewed after a meal.
4 comments:
Post a Comment