Chinese cooking spice: Clove
|
Cloves are the dried, unopened flower buds of the myrtle tree native to the Moluccas, also know as the Spice Islands. This brown, nail-shaped spice is strong, pundent, and sweet. It adds a spicy depth to dishes when used from the oil of phenol it contains. This contributes to the fragrant odor of cloves. Chinese officers of the state were required to have them in their mouth to keep their breath fresh and smelling sweet when addressing the Emperor. In traditional Chinese medicine , cloves were used as an antiseptic and believed to cure toothaches and indigestion. Now, in the modern world, they are primarily used in cooking, particularly in desserts. They are also used in pomander and to scent soaps. Cloves are available whole, ground, and as an oil. |
Bring out the Chinese gourmet chef within you, with detailed, easy-to-follow Recipes guaranteed to make your meal a hit Study the cooking Techniques used by world class Chinese chefs from famous restaurants |
Visit our Shop section for a list of recommended products essential for cooking a knock-out Chinese meal, from woks, cookware, bakeware, tableware, to cutlery, special gift ideas. All items recommended have been closely reviewed by our experts. Stop by the Resources section for our list of articles on all facets of Chinese cuisine and our friendly links. |
