Cloves (whole)

Cloves are the dried buds of a tree which is native to Indonesia and India. They are also grown in India, Madagascar, Zanzibar, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Cooking

Cloves have an extremely strong aroma and hence are used sparingly in Biryani and meat dishes in India. They are also used in biscuits, Dutch speculas and in cheeses.

Other Uses

The essential oil in cloves is used in Ayurveda and Chinese medicines. In Chinese medicine it is said to fortify the yang.   In Africa the Yorubas use cloves infused in water as a treatment for stomach upsets, vomiting and diarrhoea. It is also used in mosquito repellents.

Tip:  when making a pilaf or kitchri insert the cloves into an onion - that way you don't bite into it accidentally! :)