Cloves - buds, Pimenta, 100 g

Cloves - buds (Syzygium aromaticum) are among the most valued and aromatic spices in the world, with a history dating back more than 2,000 years. Native to the Moluccas (also known as the “Spice Islands”) in present-day Indonesia, cloves were highly prized and widely used both in food and in traditional medicine. Over the centuries, cloves became a strategic trade commodity sought after by ancient Chinese civilizations, Arab traders, and European explorers, and today they remain a symbol of exotic aroma, warmth, and strength.

Syzygium aromaticum is an evergreen tropical tree, and the spice is obtained from its dried, unopened flower buds. Today, cloves are primarily cultivated in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Tanzania, and India, where the climate and soil conditions support the development of their characteristic intense aroma and high content of active compounds.

Health Benefits:

Cloves are rich in natural antioxidants, with eugenol being their most well-known active compound. Thanks to their natural composition, cloves have traditionally been associated with supporting digestion, oral hygiene, and the immune system, as well as helping the body cope with oxidative stress. Cloves are also valued as a natural source of bioactive compounds with antimicrobial and warming properties.

Cloves in Traditional Medicine:
In traditional medicine, cloves have a long history of use for stomach discomfort, appetite stimulation, breath freshening, and as part of herbal blends for overall vitality. In many cultures, they have been used in the form of infusions or as an ingredient in natural home remedies passed down through generations.

Cloves in Culinary Use:
In cooking, cloves are an indispensable spice with a strong, warm, and slightly sweet-spicy flavor. They are used both in sweet recipes-such as desserts, pastries, compotes, and mulled wine—and in savory dishes, marinades, sauces, rice, meats, and oriental specialties. Only a small amount is needed to add depth and character to any dish.

Ingredients:

Cloves - buds (Syzygium aromaticum).

Directions for Use:

Traditional Uses:

Clove infusion
Pour hot (not boiling) water over 1-2 clove buds and let steep for 10-15 minutes. Traditionally used to support digestion, relieve a feeling of heaviness, and provide a warming effect.

For oral hygiene and fresh breath
One clove bud may be slowly chewed for a short time. In traditional practice, this is used to freshen the breath and maintain a feeling of oral cleanliness.

For stomach discomfort
Cloves are often included in herbal blends combined with cinnamon, anise, or ginger and are traditionally consumed after meals.

For general vitality
Added to warming teas and herbal infusions, especially during colder months, as part of traditional recipes to support overall vitality.

Culinary Use:

Beverages
Suitable for flavoring tea, herbal infusions, mulled wine, punch, and winter drinks. Use sparingly—1-2 buds are sufficient.

Sweet dishes and desserts
Used in compotes, jams, pastries, cakes, biscuits, strudels, and creams. Commonly combined with cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg.

Savory dishes
Suitable for seasoning meats, stews, rice, legumes, and vegetable dishes. Used whole and removed after cooking to prevent overpowering the flavor.

Marinades and pickles
Cloves are a classic spice for marinating vegetables, game, and meats, adding depth and a subtly sweet-spicy aroma.

Packing: 100 g