Cloves

Cloves are an aromatic spice made from the dried flower buds of the tropical tree Syzygium aromaticum. They have a distinctive, sweet and spicy scent with an intense, slightly pungent flavour. In the kitchen, they are used in mulled wine, gingerbread, Christmas cookies, marinades, sauces, and savoury dishes such as stews and braised meats. They can be used whole or ground. Whole cloves are added to broths and compotes to add depth of flavour. They are also a component of spice blends such as garam masala. Thanks to their eugenol content, cloves also have antiseptic properties.