Cloves| Laung: Facts, its easy use and their 4 benefits

Cloves are dried spice which are aromatic and adds flavour to any dish they are added to. They come from an evergreen clove tree which grows 12 meters in height and are native of Indonesian islands. They are grown in shaded areas and it takes them 5 years to yield a fruit. Cloves in Hindi are called laung and are used in numerous cuisines across the globe.

They are red in colour with a bud in between. They go well with cinnamon and other spices. Often, they are combined with other spices and added in the beginning or middle of the cooking.

They are handpicked after which they are left out to dry in the sun. They have a strong taste and were an important item of trade in ancient period. They are used in consumer products like toothpaste, soaps etc. They are available throughout the year across the world as the weather and harvesting period varies from place to place.

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Cloves are ancient spice and was a popular item to trade as it was aromatic, flavoured and expensive. There were many wars that were fought over this spice as they were expensive and everyone wanted to claim the territory over their plantation. Whole form is expensive compared to powdered as one tree gives only 2 -3 pods a year.

In ancient times their value was equal to that of gold and whoever had them in their home were considered as rich. They were mostly used by king and rich merchants in those times.

Good quality laung have 15-20% essential oil. The aromatic compound known as eugenol gives them the brown colour which comprises about 85% in total. This compound also acts as a natural anaesthesia making the mouth numb.

Our ancestors used it to get relief from tooth pain in ancient times. They are also added in beverages like soup, stew to add distinct flavour and aroma. They are also used in numerous vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

They are mostly used in whole form as they lose their flavour very quickly after being grounded to powder. So, in order to keep all the aroma and flavours intact many prefer to use them in whole form.

Also, read how to use cloves in numerous forms.

Benefits of Cloves

Cloves are also known for their numerous benefits which are hidden within them and are unleashed in the dishes they are added to.

Tocopherol properties

β- Carotene are family of pigments found in cloves which makes them rich in tocopherol properties. These pigments can also convert themselves into vitamin A which is an important vitamin to keep the eyes sharp.

Eugenol is also another compound in laung which also acts as an antioxidant. They fight against free radical cells preventing numerous diseases related to cardiovascular system.

May protect stomach ulcers

The Eugenol compound found in cloves may protect stomach from ulcers which develop because the protection cover around the stomach becomes thin. Consuming cloves in moderate quantity can make the stomach shield thicker.

Relief from inflammation

There are multiple compounds in laung which acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Eugenol tops all the compounds and it helps to reduce inflammation and the occurrence of diseases like arthritis.

Dental use

These days there are numerous readymade beverages in the market on a vast scale. People drink them as a refreshment not knowing the acidic properties present in them which can lead to tooth decay. Tooth decay can lead to cavities. According to research laung essential oil and its properties help to fight against dental erosion preventing cavities.

Where to buy Laung?

Laung are readily available in local grocery stores, supermarkets, kirana shops as well as on big ecommerce platforms like amazon, flipkart and eBay. One can buy them in required quantity as they are sold packed and in open.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q) What are the benefits of laung?

Ans.) Cloves are beneficial for heart as they contain tocopherol properties which fight against free radical cells. They also provide relief from tooth pain as they contain eugenol compound. They may protect stomach ulcers making the stomach lining thick.

Q) Are laung used in consumer products?

Ans.) Laung are used in consumer products like toothpaste and soaps.

Q) Can laung be used as room freshener?

Ans.) Laung oil are used with water in a specific quantity to prepare room freshener.

Q) Are laung available throughout the year?

Ans.) Yes, they are available throughout the year as the weather and harvesting season varies from place to place.

Conclusion

Laung are dried spice which are aromatic and adds flavour to any dish. They come from an evergreen clove tree which grows 12 meters in height and are native of Indonesian islands.

They are grown in shaded areas and it takes them 5 years to yield a fruit. They are called laung in Hindi and are used in numerous cuisines across the globe.

They are red in colour with a bud in between. They go well with cinnamon and other spices. Often, they are combined with other spices and added in the beginning or middle of the cooking.

They are mostly used in whole form as they lose their flavour very quickly after being grounded to powder. So, in order to keep all the aroma and flavours intact many prefer to use them in whole form.

Laung have numerous health benefits such as it prevents tooth decay, provides relief from the tooth pain, acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, contains tocopherol properties and prevents stomach ulcers.