Cloves
Syzygium aromaticum
Pronunciation: KLOHVZ
Strong, pungent, warm, slightly sweet
Concentrated, warming spice with a sweet, numbing edge. A little goes a long way in masalas and mulled drinks.
PungentWarmSweetIntenseGreat with: Cinnamon • Nutmeg • Orange +
Did you know?
Cloves are dried flower buds-the stems and heads are both aromatic, with slightly different notes.
Health benefits
- Traditionally used topically for tooth comfort (clove oil) in folk practice
- Powerfully aromatic-use sparingly
- Adds depth to sweet and savoury dishes alike
Friendly note: educational only - not medical advice.
Traditional uses
Culinary: Whole buds tempered in oil or ground into blends; pairs with cinnamon and cardamom.
Medicinal: Clove oil referenced historically for dental relief; use with care.
In food
- Garam masala
- Biryani
- Stews & tagines
- Desserts & compotes
In drinks
- Mulled wine/cider
- Masala chai
- Spiced syrups
Rituals & blends
- Festive mulling blends and celebratory rice dishes
Origin & sourcing
- Country
- India
- Region
- Tamil Nadu
- Method
- Hand-picked flower buds; sun-dried until mahogany
- Season
- Dec–Feb
- Processing
- Careful drying to lock in eugenol-rich aroma
- Certs
- Batch traceability
Storage tips
Keep whole; grind small amounts as needed to avoid bitterness.