Cloves

Cloves (Luong) - small, dried, reddish-brown flovver bud of the tropical evergreen tree of the myrtle family. They have strong, sweet aroma and hot, pungent taste, cloves are best bought whole and ground, if necessary. They have been used in India for thousands of years, not only in cooking, but to sweeten the breath and to relieve the pain of toothache. They contain a mild anesthetic. Whole cloves are frequently used to flavor meat dishes, curries, and soups.