Cloves

Cloves are a highly aromatic spice derived from the flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, native to the Maluku Islands (Indonesia) and widely cultivated in India, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar. Recognized by their small, nail-shaped appearance and strong, pungent aroma, cloves have been valued for centuries for both their culinary and medicinal properties. They are commonly used whole or ground to flavor a variety of dishes, including curries, baked goods, sauces, and beverages. Cloves impart a warm, sweet-spicy, and slightly bitter taste, making them an essential ingredient in spice blends such as garam masala and mulled drinks, as well as in pickling and preserving foods.