Cloves 125 g

Cloves or clove buds

Cloves are an ancient and precious spice that have always found their place in cuisine and medicine throughout history. Here, we also refer to cloves as clove buds. These are the dried flower buds of a large, evergreen tropical tree – which can grow up to 12 metres tall – known as the clove tree or fragrant clove tree. The tree can live for up to 350 years, but only begins to flower after 20 years.

Cloves are very rich in essential oils, the predominant one being eugenol, which has antiseptic properties, causes mild numbness and relieves pain; for this reason, they are still frequently used today to treat toothache and bad breath. They also help prevent inflammation in the oral cavity. Cloves also contain calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, selenium, folic acid and vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, B6, E and K. They are also a source of flavonoids, which, amongst other things, strengthen the walls of blood vessels. They are also excellent for relieving bloating and digestive disorders, and can help alleviate rheumatic pain.

They are known for their antimicrobial, antiparasitic and antifungal effects – against Candida yeast and the bacteria Streptococcus, Staphylococcus and Pneumococcus.

In savoury dishes, they are often combined with pepper, onion and bay leaf, whilst in sweet dishes they are combined with cinnamon, lemon, aniseed, ginger and cardamom.

We offer high-quality cloves with a fragrant aroma and full flavour.

Uses

We usually associate cloves with sweet dishes, as the spice is warming and is therefore also associated with winter. However, cloves are good all year round, and we can also use them in numerous savoury dishes.

They are indispensable when making compotes, syrups, desserts, biscuits and cakes. Cloves are also part of the mixture for gingerbread. They are a must in mulled wine, and they go perfectly with baked apples too. In savoury dishes, we add them in combination with bay leaves and onions, particularly in dishes with sour or fresh cabbage. Add them to goulash or when preparing game, curries and sausages. They also add the finishing touch to roast pork, meat soups, stews, courgettes, beef and baked beans.

Ground cloves in particular are extremely aromatic, so be careful with the amount you use. It is better to add smaller quantities gradually.

We advise against their use by pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. Consumption is also not recommended 14 days prior to surgical procedures, and is similarly not advised for those taking anticoagulant medication, as cloves contain high levels of vitamin K, which reduces the effectiveness of the medication.

Storage

Store in a dry, dark and cool place. Ensure the bag is tightly sealed.

Packaging

An airtight zip-lock bag, in which the product retains all its freshness and aroma. The packaging protects against light and air, as it consists of several layers of protection that preserve the properties of the contents.

The packaging is very practical and can be recycled.

Origin

Sri Lanka or Tanzania