CLOVES
Cloves are the dry, unopened pink flower buds of the evergreen tropical clove tree. The buds are picked by hand when they are pink and dried until they turn brown in color. Cloves are about 1/2-inch long and 1/4-inch in diameter and with their tapered stem, they resemble tiny nails. In fact, their English name is actually derived from the Latin word clavus, which means nail. Although cloves have a very hard exterior, their flesh features an oily compound that is essential to their nutritional and flavor profile.
Cloves can be used whole or ground to impart a strong sweet but spicy and peppery flavor so should be used in moderation to avoid over seasoning.
Insert whole cloves into baked hams or oranges, apples or onions to add flavor or add ground cloves to curries.
It's best to grind whole cloves into powder, using a mortar and pestle, just prior to using them to ensure flavor and freshness are at their peak.
To stud an ingredient with cloves, stick whole cloves into it so that the bud heads protrude. Make sure to remove whole cloves before serving as they have a strong, pungent and slightly unpleasant flavor on their own.
Cloves have a long shelf life, lasting up to a year, if they are kept in a cool, dark place away from light. You can use allspice or mace, if you don't have cloves.
Cloves can be used whole or ground to impart a strong sweet but spicy and peppery flavor so should be used in moderation to avoid over seasoning.
Insert whole cloves into baked hams or oranges, apples or onions to add flavor or add ground cloves to curries.
It's best to grind whole cloves into powder, using a mortar and pestle, just prior to using them to ensure flavor and freshness are at their peak.
To stud an ingredient with cloves, stick whole cloves into it so that the bud heads protrude. Make sure to remove whole cloves before serving as they have a strong, pungent and slightly unpleasant flavor on their own.
Cloves have a long shelf life, lasting up to a year, if they are kept in a cool, dark place away from light. You can use allspice or mace, if you don't have cloves.
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