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You probably recognize cloves from a cup of Chai, pumpkin pie, or gingerbread. But did you know that these aromatic clove flower buds pack lots of nutrition in addition to a burst of flavor to traditional holiday meals?
In fact, people have used cloves as a form of medicine for centuries to boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and aid digestion, according to Verywell Health. Here are five sensational uses for cloves that are delicious and good for you too.
Make a Pot of Homemade Chai
This beloved recipe is India’s most popular drink, and it wouldn’t be complete without a bit of clove. Indian Healthy Recipes suggests grinding two to three cloves with cinnamon and cardamom to make the base of your homemade masala chai. Simmer these spices before adding milk, for a savory, sweet drink to warm your bones.
This healthy brew comes with tons of nutrients. The Chicago Times reported that the cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom in chai have antibacterial properties that may heal digestive issues associated with bacterial infections.
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Bake Gingerbread Man Cookies
As the story goes: “Run, run, as fast as you can. You can’t catch me—I’m the gingerbread man!” You may know of this beloved holiday treat from the classic tale of the Gingerbread Man. As My Recipes points out, experts trace this dark, spicy cake to around 1500 BCE in Ancient Egypt!
No gingerbread recipe, including gingerbread man cookies,is complete without cloves., Don’t forget to draw icing faces and add gumdrop buttons!
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Cook up a Batch of Hot Mulled Cider
During the chilly winter months, nothing beats a warm cup of mulled apple cider made with spices like clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange. As one of winter’s most iconic beverages, people have been drinking mulled apple cider in Britain for thousands of years, according to Smithsonian Magazine. This is sure to keep you warm and toasty.
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Cook Authentic Mole Sauce
Mexican cuisine has dozens of versions of mole, a sauce first made by the Aztecs with chocolate and spices, according to The Food Network. Although each mole is different, they all contain a type of fresh or dried Mexican chile. Then you’ll add onions and garlic plus spices like cloves, cumin, cinnamon, and allspice. Cooking mole with cloves provides an excellent source of manganese, fiber, vitamin K, vitamin C, calcium, and magnesium, according to Verywell Health.
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Stew Apples with Cloves and Cinnamon
Stewed apples with spices provide a warming (and healthy) winter treat. This recipe from Nutrition Stripped combines slowly simmered apples with cloves, cinnamon, and ginger. Eat it on its own, or serve it with yogurt, porridge, or oatmeal. You’ll get a healthy dose of cloves, which may help balance blood sugar levels according to Verywell Health.
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