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Cloves have an astringent, sweet-hot, fruity flavour that leaves a
numbing sensation in the mouth. It’s a warming spice. In Chinese history, during the
Han period (220-206 BC) court officials had to hold whole cloves in the mouths when
addressing the Emperor - to make sure their breaths were clean.
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Cloves were the most prized of all spices to the western world. Columbus and Magellan and
other explorers sought it in the age of discovery.
Cloves were introduced into India along with nutmeg by the British East India Company
during the 19th Century. Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are the main clove producing
states. |
| Botanical name |
Family name |
| Syzygium Aromaticum |
Myrtaceae |
In Indian cuisine, cinnamon and cloves are used together.
Clove is a strong spice, just 2 or 3 in a dish gives a perceptible flavour. Cloves burn
faster than cinnamon and should always be put after cinnamon. Clove oil is heavily used in
perfumes, cosmetics, mouth washers and toothpastes. Dentists still use clove oil as a mild
anesthetizer.
Clove and Clove leaves are primary spices to EVEREST Biryani Masala. |
