Clove is the dried, unopened flower bud of a tiny evergreen tree and is one of the world’s oldest spices. It is a highly prized Asian spice. Clove clusters are hand-picked when the buds are completely matured and have a strong pink flush, and then sun-dried for several days. The essential oil can be extracted from unopened flower buds, leaves, and stalks.
Uses:
- Cloves, whether whole or ground, are mostly used in the food sector as a flavoring agent and for culinary applications. Its flavor complements both sweet and savory foods.
- It’s used as a carminative, aromatic, and stimulant in medicine. The majority of the production in Indonesia is used to make ‘kretek’ cigarettes.
- Clove oil is used in medicine for its antiseptic and antibacterial characteristics, particularly in dentistry, oral and pharyngeal therapies.
- It’s used in toothpaste and mouthwash formulations, as well as soaps and perfumes. It’s also said to aid diabetics with sugar absorption.
