Eugenia caryophyllata / Cloves / Myrtaceae (Myrtle family)

Information

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Other Names

Caryophyllus, Caryophyllus aromaticus, Clove, Clovos, Eugenia aromatica, Eugenia caryophyllata and Syzygium aromaticum, Kruidnagel.

Description

Cloves are the dried, unopened, nail-shaped flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae. They are reddish-brown in color and have a strong, aromatic flavor and aroma. The name derives from the Latin word "Clavus" (meaning: nail) as the buds vaguely resemble small irregular nails in shape. Cloves are harvested primarily in Zanzibar Idonesia and Madagascar, it is also grown in India and Shri Lanka .
Clove and Nutmeg were among the most precious of items of Europe in the 16th and 17th century, and were worth more than their weight in gold. Clove has many medicinal properties. It helps increase the antioxidative capacity of the body and contributes to physical well-being. It also supports gastrointestinal health and helps digestion. Strong in aroma and hot and pungent in taste.