And Clove
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What it is
Clove is a spice made from the dried flower buds of the *Syzygium aromaticum* tree, native to Indonesia. The buds are harvested by hand before they open and then dried. They have a strong, pungent, and sweet flavor.
Why it's used
Clove is primarily used as a flavoring agent in both sweet and savory dishes. It adds a warm, spicy note to baked goods, desserts, curries, and meat dishes. It is also used in spice blends and beverages.
Health notes
Clove is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. It has been used traditionally for its aromatic properties. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated clove, but no specific numeric limits were set. Research into the health effects of compounds found in clove is ongoing, with some studies exploring antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.
Allergen info
Clove is not one of the nine FDA major allergens and does not contain gluten.