What are cloves?
Cloves are the dried flower buds of the clove tree, a tropical evergreen. Their elongated, nail-like shape has earned them their evocative name. Brown and wrinkled in appearance, they release a powerful fragrance, with notes of both sweetness and spiciness. In many culinary and medicinal traditions, they are credited with antiseptic, analgesic and digestive virtues, making them a valuable ingredient down the centuries.
Where do they come from?
Cloves come mainly from Indonesia, and more specifically from the Moluccan Islands, often referred to as the "Spice Islands". There, the clove tree benefits from a warm, humid climate, ideal for its growth. Exported since Antiquity, these flower buds have traveled trade routes to Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Today, other tropical regions such as Madagascar, Tanzania and Sri Lanka are also involved in their production.
How are they formed?
In their natural state, clove trees develop small, pinkish flowers grouped together in bunches. Before they bloom, they are hand-picked, then left to dry in the sun until they turn brown and release their characteristic fragrance. Cloves thus obtained retain their petal, visible as a small spherical head, and their stem, which resembles a miniaturized nail.
What are their main constituents?
- Essential oil: Mainly composed of eugenol, an aromatic phenol with a typical odor and antiseptic properties.
- Flavonoids and tannins: may contribute to cloves' antioxidant and astringent action.
- Minerals: Cloves contain small amounts of manganese, calcium and magnesium.
- Fiber: Despite their small volume, cloves also provide dietary fiber.
What are their potential benefits?
Antiseptic effect: Thanks to eugenol, cloves are often used as a natural aid to cleanse the oral cavity and soothe certain irritations.
Analgesic properties: Cloves are reputed to provide occasional relief from toothache or minor gum inflammation, while awaiting medical consultation.
Aids digestion: infused or added to dishes, they help stimulate the digestive system and reduce bloating.
Antioxidant action: Phenolic compounds protect the body's cells against oxidative stress.
Aroma and flavor: In many kitchens, their warm, slightly sweet taste enhances preparations, from meats to soups and spicy desserts.
How to use them in cooking?
- Simmered dishes: You can prick a few cloves into an onion or add them directly to sauces, to diffuse their discreet but recognizable fragrance.
- Infusions: Combined with cinnamon, ginger and cardamom, they make invigorating hot drinks, appreciated in wintertime.
- Pastries : In gingerbread or Christmas cakes, cloves add a deep, spicy note, typical of festive flavors.
- Marinades: Cloves enhance marinades for red meats, venison or game, along with other herbs and spices.
Can they be used outside the kitchen?
Yes, cloves can also be used in other areas:
- Oral care: their essential oil, rich in eugenol, is sometimes incorporated into mouthwashes or toothpastes, for its purifying and soothing effects.
- Aromatherapy: Diffused, essential oils can help to purify the atmosphere, while releasing a comforting scent.
- Household products: Some people combine cloves with orange peel to make scented sachets that repel moths in wardrobes.
What precautions should I take?
- Irritation: Eugenol can be irritating when applied directly to the skin or mucous membranes. Dilute the essential oil or consult a professional before use.
- Allergies: As with any product, check your tolerance. Slight redness or itching may indicate sensitivity.
- Pregnant women and children: Their use, especially in essential oil form, should be approached with caution. Medical advice is advised.
- Overdosage: Consuming too many cloves or essential oils can lead to headaches or digestive problems. Moderation is recommended.
How to keep cloves fresh?
To preserve their intense aroma, cloves should be stored in an airtight container, away from moisture, light and heat. A glass jar, kept in a cool, dry cupboard, is an excellent option. In this way, they will retain their aromatic power for several months, or even a year.
