Cloves

Cloves are the dried flower buds of the clove tree, an evergreen native to Indonesia. The buds are harvested just before they open, then dried in the sun. They are typically used whole or ground into a powder.

Cloves are primarily used as a spice to add a strong, pungent, and sweet flavor to foods. They are common in baked goods, desserts, sauces, and savory dishes. Manufacturers also use them for their aromatic qualities.

Cloves are generally recognized by the FDA as safe (GRAS) when used as a flavoring. They contain compounds that have shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in laboratory studies. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated cloves. Evidence on health effects at typical dietary intake levels is limited, and more research is needed.