Contents:

• Properties and nutritional values ​​of cloves
• Health-promoting uses of cloves
• The history and use of cloves in the kitchen

Cloves are not only an ingredient in many dishes and a popular spice with versatile culinary uses, imparting an unforgettable aroma to dishes, but also possess a number of valuable health-promoting properties. They are a source of eugenol, a substance that gives cloves not only their characteristic flavor but also health-promoting properties: antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and even analgesic. Therefore, it's worth keeping them on hand and knowing how to utilize their beneficial properties in a variety of ways. Let's look at how we can make cloves not only a delicious addition to dishes, but also a valuable support for our health and well-being.

Properties and nutritional values ​​of cloves

Cloves are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, although their consumption is usually limited to small amounts. However, it's worth appreciating the nutritional richness of this unassuming spice. Cloves are a source of bioactive compounds, including eugenol, which plays a key role. This gives cloves their unique health-promoting properties. Cloves also contain vitamins, minerals, and other valuable phenolic compounds, such as:

• caffeic acid,
• Gallic acid,
• Ferulic acid,
• Salicylic acid ,
• Ellagic acid,
• Kaempferol,
• Vitamins: B6, E, K,
• Folic acid,
• Pantothenic acid,
• Riboflavin,
• Thiamine,
• Micro and macro elements:
  • Iron, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, copper, selenium.

Health-promoting uses of cloves

Cloves have been used in traditional folk medicine for hundreds of years as a remedy for many ailments. Their health-promoting properties include:

• antiviral – used for upper respiratory tract infections, viral sore throats and colds,
• Antibacterial – Cloves can be chewed and thus support the maintenance of a proper bacterial flora in the oral cavity.
• antifungal – they can be used to support the treatment of, for example, candidiasis,
• antiparasitic – support the effective fight against parasites, including giardiasis.
• Painkillers – e.g., chewing cloves in medicines helps against toothache,
• Clove ointment is also well known and is used for migraines.
• Relieves rheumatic pain – applied externally, clove oil helps with muscle and joint pain,
• Regulating the function of the digestive system and stimulating digestive processes,
• Combating the harmful effects of free radicals,
• makes it easier to fall asleep and relieves tension.

Cloves can be used to make an infusion that effectively relieves the symptoms associated with inflammation of the mouth and throat. Clove syrup is also excellent for relieving the symptoms of persistent coughs and colds. Clove essential oil, on the other hand, has a wide range of external uses. Its properties make it an effective remedy for relieving unpleasant rheumatic complaints, muscle and joint pain. Used in a diffuser or humidifier, it has a refreshing effect and helps purify the air of viruses and bacteria. It also has a positive effect on our health and well-being, relieving nervous tension and stress.

The history and use of cloves in the kitchen

The history of cloves' health-promoting properties dates back to ancient times, when the Chinese discovered their beneficial effects. The Arabs contributed to the spread of cloves by bringing them from China to Venice, from where they spread throughout Europe. To this day, cloves are valued both in cooking and for health reasons.

Clove cultivation is concentrated primarily in Tanzania, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar. This aromatic spice is often used as an addition to various dishes, both meat dishes and desserts. They are an important ingredient in Christmas-spiced gingerbread and Christmas Eve compote, among other things. They perfectly complement the flavor of roasted meat, especially game, as well as beef and ham in honey, lending the dishes an unusual, slightly sweet and strongly spicy aroma.

Cloves go well not only with meat marinades, but also with jams, drinks, fruit, baked goods, and alcohol. Just a few cloves are enough to give your dishes a unique character. They taste delicious in combination with cinnamon, allspice, vanilla, basil , anise, and pepper . They are used in the preparation of Indian curries. In winter, warming tea with lemon, orange, honey, a little ginger, and, of course, cloves has a warming effect. Cranberry sauce with cloves, in turn, is an intriguing combination that goes perfectly with both sweet and savory dishes. It's also worth enriching jam with cloves, which gives it a unique flavor.