The potent clove spice is actually a flower bud pulled from the clove tree, more formally known as Syzygium aromaticum. It comes from harvesting the closed, dried flower buds of the tree, which can then be sold as-is or ground to a fine powder. Whole Sri Lankan cloves are valued because they’re typically higher in essential oils than other varieties.
How is clove used?
Often, clove is an ingredient used in the kitchen to add warm, spiced holiday flavors to savory meals, indulgent desserts, and even mixed drinks. You may already be familiar with the process of studding a pot roast with the small, hard buds of a clove tree; adding a Chinese five-spice blend infused with ground clove to a gingersnap cookie dough; or at least drinking a hot cup of chai tea that highlights the clove’s warm, seasonal flavor.
But did you know clove buds, leaves, stems, and oils do not just add a bite to humble dishes? They also have a wealth of essential health benefits.
What are the health benefits of clove?
Cloves are high in antioxidants.
What exactly does that mean? Well, antioxidants are in charge of managing free radicals in the body. Free radicals are molecules that easily react with other molecules and cause larger chemical reactions or oxidation. These reactions are often connected to illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer. Because of this, it is important to control the number of free radicals within the body, which is where antioxidant-rich whole foods come in, including cloves.
Cloves contain high amounts of manganese.
Manganese is a mineral that helps the body maintain the normal functions of the brain, nervous system, and other enzyme systems. While the body naturally stores the mineral in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas, you should try incorporating additional manganese into your diet through sources like cloves.
Manganese is also stored in the body’s bones and is essential in developing and maintaining those bones. When paired with other nutrients, it supports bone mineral density or the number of minerals like calcium and phosphorus contained in a certain amount of bone. This information can then be used to predict how likely bones are to fracture, diagnose osteoporosis or low and decreasing bone mass, and see osteoporosis treatments’ effectiveness.
Cloves have antimicrobial properties.
In other words, the spice can stop the growth and development of bacteria. This is particularly evident in the positive impact clove has on oral health. It can stop the growth of two bacterias that contribute to gum disease. Because of this, it is commonly included in toothpaste and mouthwashes. When used consistently, clove has proven to reduce the amount of plaque on teeth, gum inflammation, toothache, and even bad breath.
What recipes will help bring clove into my diet?
While you can find clove in supplements and other healthcare products, you can easily incorporate it into your diet through a few flavorful dishes. Add the warm spice to hearty meals like stews, braises, and roasts. Put a dash into festive desserts like spiced cakes and gingerbreads. Or, introduce it to comforting drinks like mulled wine and eggnog.
Whichever you choose, remember it is important to gradually introduce new ingredients like clove to your body and is most effective when incorporated into a balanced, healthy diet.