Cloves

ПFull name of the product: Whole cloves

Dried, unopened buds of the tree that can reach a height of 20 meters. It blooms twice a year and yields a good harvest. Good quality cloves sinks when put into a glass of water or at least floats vertically central ball up. It is principally used in marinades and seasoning mixes. Clove powder is highly soluble in water and contributes its taste, flavor and color to it. Alcohol dissolves bitterer and less desired fractions.

Cultivation: India, Indonesia, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Madagascar. Major producers of this popular spice are Tanzanian islands, such as Zanzibar and Pemba (90% of production).

Taste: Pleasant, aromatic, hot. The calyx part is the hottest.

Flavor: Strong and spicy The central ball is the most aromatic.

Uses:

• Cooking: Both whole and ground cloves are used for cooking. It may be used to give aromatic and flavor qualities to sweets and pastries (it is better to use the central balls, especially in combination with cinnamon). Clove may be also added to meat, fish marinades (it is better to use calyxes in combination with black pepper), beverages, vegetable salads, lamb, pork, stewed vegetables, poultry, compots, bitters, and hot wine drinks. Clove oil may be used as an aromatizing agent in perfumery and in alcoholic beverage industry.
• Canning: Cloves may be used for canning mushrooms, vegetables, berries, and fish as well as to add aromatic and flavor qualities to beverages.
• Medicinal Properties: The essential oil in this spice boosts appetite, improves digestion, and has antiseptic qualities. Cloves have been used for tooth care and to improve breath for many centuries.