Let's start with a 'basic information: cloves do not come from the flowers we are used to finding at the florist. Yes, cloves come from an Asian plant that is born and grows only near the sea: theEugenia Cariophillata. Obviously they are not born as we know them: to become tiny nails in shades of brown, the buds are first dried in the sun. But not only that, a very precious one is also obtained from fresh buds essential oil. Think what an amazing scent! But how are cloves used? In the kitchen they are used for aromatize drinks or dishes, such as natural remedy for various ailments, such as mothproof, like perfumer of environments and for keep away annoying mosquitoes.

Cloves in the kitchen: to cook and aromatize food and drink whole or powdered nails are used. A spice with strong aromatic tones that can be used for flavor herbal teas, sauces, desserts, creams and even liqueurs. For example, now that the winter season arrives, it is a good practice to indulge in one hot and spiced drink, click here to try our versions. Obviously, having a very strong flavor, our advice is to use it in small quantities. And if you have never tried it, you absolutely must combine the aromaticity of cloves with meat.
To prepare a succulent sirloin in a salt crust, marinated in mulled wine you will need: 800 g of sirloin in 4 slices of 2 cm thick – 2 glasses of red wine – 1 untreated lemon peel – 1 cinnamon stick – 4 cloves – 1 tablespoon of brown sugar – 4 bay leaves – 500 g of flour 00 – 500 g of coarse salt – 600 g of new potatoes with red skin – extra virgin olive oil – salt – pepper

First step: warm the wine with spices, 2 bay leaves, lemon zest, brown sugar and let it simmer for 2 minutes; remove from heat and do cool down. Transfer the meat to a bowl, cover it with mulled wine and let it marinate in a cool place for 1 hour.
Second step: in a large bowl mixed flour with coarse salt, then add 3 dl of water. Work the ingredients with your hands until you get a block.
Third step: then divide the pasta in two portions. Roll out the first to a thickness of 4-5 mm on the lightly floured surface, e wrap yourself up 2 slices of meat drained from the marinade, dried and seasoned with a drizzle of oil and 2 bay leaves. Do the same with the rest of the pasta and meat. Arrange the two "cartocci" on a plate e bake at 200 degrees for 30 minutes.
Fourth step: while the meat is cooking, wash the potatoes, boil them with the peel in salted boiling water and drain. Transfer the reserved marinade to a saucepan and cook simmer on a very low flame until it has reduced its volume by half.
Fifth step: served the "cartocci" with the steaks on a cutting board, accompanied with boiled potatoes and the reduction of mulled wine.

Cloves as a natural remedy: great for those suffering from toothache, indigestion, bad breath and also to treat infections. For example, clove essential oil is an effective remedy for toothache cure. In fact, one of its most important properties is precisely that of being a antiseptic And analgesic. How to use it? To prepare a homeopathic mouthwash, simply dilute 3 drops of clove essential oil in half a glass of warm water. Or, if taken in the form of an infusion, the drink you will get will be a perfect one digestive! Another property of cloves is related to their being analgesics: Chewing cloves or drinking the infusion will help relieve headaches.
To prepare the herbal tea heat the quantity of a glass of water in a saucepan and add 3-4 nails carnation. As soon as the infusion reaches a boil turn off the fire, cover the saucepan and leave to rest for 10 minutes.

Cloves as a mothproof: scented drawers and intact sweaters! Think how annoying it is to realize that the sweater you wanted to wear has a hole… The simplest thing to do is to discard it and take another one, but even here you notice that there is a hole. Panic? No, immediately run for cover! Take a cotton bag, preferably in cotton gauze, add a spoonful of cloves and some orange or lemon peel. Dry everything directly in the cupboard, enjoy the scent and undamaged sweaters!

October 2021
Giulia Ferrari