Healing herbs

Healing herbs
Echinacea and Calendula

Wednesday, 18 December 2013

Cloves: A Wonder Spice With The Highest Antioxidant Value

Cloves are one of the highly prized spices, widely recognized all over the world for their medicinal and culinary qualities. They are the "flower buds" from evergreen rain-forest tree native to Indonesia.

Botanically, the spice belongs to the family of Myrtaceae of the genus; Sygyzium, and scientifically named as Sygizium aromaticum.

The flower buds are initially pale in color, gradually turn to green, and, finally develop into bright-red clove buds by the time of harvesting. Buds are generally picked up when they reach 1.5-2 cm in length.

Structurally, each bud consists of long calyx; terminating in four spreading sepals, and four unopened petals, which form a small ball (dome) at the center. The sweet aroma of cloves is due to eugenol, an essential oil in them.

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