1. One of the “Christmas spices” is cloves. Where is it grown? In what foods is it used? What else is it used for?
Cloves are aromatic dried flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae. They are native to Indonesia. They are harvested primarily in Indonesia, Madagascar, Zanzibar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and India. (Wikipedia – Clove). Cloves are used in Indian cuisine, usually missed in sauces or side dish, mostly ground up along with other spices. It is normally added whole to enhance the presentation and flavor of the rice. The spice is also used in Europe and Asia and is smoked in a type of cigarettes. Cloves are also used in incense in Chinese and Japanese culture. It can also be used to treat toothache in dental emergencies. (Spices in Kerala – clove).
2. Another Christmas spice is cinnamon. Where is it grown? What foods is it used for?
Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of trees from the genus Cinnamomum. It can be used in both sweet and savory foods. They are native to South East Asia. It is grown in Kerala, India, Bangladesh, Java, Sumatra, the West Indies, Brazil, Vietnam, and Egypt. It is used in the preparation of Chocolate, especially in Mexico. It is used in many pastries and baked goods, apple pie, donuts, and cinnamon buns. In the Middle East, it is used to spice chicken and lamb. In the U.S. it is used in mixture with sugar to flavor cereals, and fruits, especially apples. It is reported to have a pharmacological effect in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. (Wikipedia – Cinnamon).
3. In the Tropical Conservatory there is an allspice tree. Where is it grown? How did it get its name (be specific)?
Allspice is an evergreen tree that is indigenous to the rainforests of South and Central America. It also grows in Mexico and Jamaica. Allspice gets its name because it smells like a combination of different spices, especially cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg (http://www.theepicentre.com/Spices/allspice.html). Allspice is used in Jamaican soups, stews, and curries.
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