Cloves are aromatic flower buds harvested from the Syzygium aromaticum tree, native to Indonesia. These small, dark brown buds have a hard, nail-like shape and a warm, sweet, and intensely pungent flavor. Cloves are widely used in culinary traditions across the world, particularly in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Western cuisines. They are a key component of spice blends like garam masala and Chinese five spice.
Cloves are rich in antioxidants, especially eugenol, which gives them powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. They are known to aid digestion, relieve toothaches, and support respiratory health. In cooking, cloves are used whole or ground in curries, rice dishes, baked goods, and beverages like mulled wine or chai.
Cloves also have preservative and medicinal uses and are often found in traditional remedies and dental care products. Due to their strong flavor, they should be used in moderation to avoid overpowering dishes.