What Is The Odour And Taste Of Clove?
The clove is a fragrant and versatile dried flower bud that comes from the clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum). Cloves have been popular for centuries as a culinary spice for their strong aromatic flavors and as a medicinal remedy due to their health benefits. They are commonly dried for use in baked goods, drinks, sauces, pickling, desserts, and potpourri.
Cloves are especially well-known for their sweet and mild spicy notes that pair well with cinnamon and nutmeg. While cloves were originally native to the Molucca Islands of Indonesia, they have spread worldwide and are found in everything from Indian biryani and Mexican mole sauces to German Christmas cookies and mulled wine.
Appearance
Cloves have a distinctive appearance. The clove tree is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to 12 meters tall (https://balconygardenweb.com/how-to-grow-cloves-cultivation-and-growing-cloves/). Individual cloves are the unopened flower buds of the clove tree. Cloves are small, elongated, and taper to a point on one end (https://rokkit.ru/en/thing/gvozdika-poleznye-svoistva-sostav-primenenie-gvozdika-poleznye-svoistva-i/). They are typically reddish-brown or dark brown in color.
Cloves are generally 1-2 cm long and shaped like a nail, which is reflected in their name – “clove” comes from the Latin “clavus” meaning nail. They are rounded and broad at the base, then taper to a pointed tip at the other end. The size can vary depending on the variety.
Aroma
Cloves have a very distinct and powerful aroma that can fill up a space with just a few buds. Their scent is often described as spicy, pungent, sweet, and warming (Demeter Fragrance Library). The unique aroma of cloves comes from their high content of an essential oil called eugenol, which makes up 70-90% of the essential oil (Eugenol – Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugenol).
The spicy, sweet scent of cloves is often compared to other pungent spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. However, cloves have a more complex aroma with hints of fruitiness underlying their predominant spicy fragrance. Many people find the smell of cloves to be very evocative, as it is commonly associated with autumn and winter baked goods and potpourri.
Taste
Cloves have a very pungent, sweet flavor. The taste is often described as hot and numbing, with a pronounced aftertaste. According to Quora, “A clove is a small, dried flower bud that comes from the Syzygium aromaticum tree, which is native to Indonesia. Cloves have a very strong and distinct taste. They are extremely pungent with subtle hints of sweetness.”
The hot, numbing effect of cloves comes from a compound called eugenol. This gives cloves their distinctive taste that is both sweet and spicy. Many compare the taste of cloves to a “burning” sensation, like the heat from black pepper or chili peppers.
Cloves are often used to provide a sweet, warming flavor to desserts, curries, mulled wines and spice blends like pumpkin pie spice. Their sweet-spicy taste complements ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla. Cloves also pair well with citrus flavors, chili peppers, garlic and onions.
Active Compounds
The primary active compound in clove is eugenol, which makes up 70-85% of clove essential oil [1]. Eugenol gives clove its distinct aroma and many of its therapeutic properties. It has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic effects [2].
Other notable active compounds in clove include:
- Acetyleugenol – up to 15% of clove oil
- Beta-caryophyllene – has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties
The combination of eugenol, acetyleugenol, beta-caryophyllene and other active compounds give clove its unique odor, taste, and medicinal attributes.
Culinary Uses
Cloves have been used as a spice in cooking for centuries. They add a warm, sweet and aromatic flavor to both savory and sweet dishes. Some of the most common culinary uses for cloves include:
Spice in baked goods – Ground cloves are commonly used in baked goods like gingerbread, pumpkin pie, chocolate cake and more. The spice pairs well with cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger.
Curries – Whole or ground cloves are used in many curry recipes and spice blends like garam masala. The fragrance complements spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric and chili.
Soups – Adding whole cloves is a great way to impart flavor to soups, especially bean or lentil soups. They also work well in broths and stocks.
Pickling – Cloves add warmth and dimension to pickled fruits, vegetables and meats. They are often used in pickling spices.
According to Clove Essential Oil Recipes, cloves pair well in chili and even soups. When cooking with clove oil, the strong flavor should be used sparingly.
Medicinal Properties
Cloves have been used in traditional medicine for centuries and continue to be studied for their potential health benefits today. Some of the main medicinal properties of cloves include:
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Cloves contain compounds like eugenol that have demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in lab studies. Antioxidants help protect the body from damaging free radicals, while anti-inflammatory effects may benefit conditions involving chronic inflammation [1].
Dental Pain Relief
Eugenol has numbing and antiseptic properties that have traditionally made cloves useful for temporary relief of toothaches and dental pain. Modern dental products like Orajel often include eugenol for these purposes. However, cloves should not replace dental treatment and are not a cure for tooth infections or decay.
Pairings
Cloves pair wonderfully with several ingredients that complement and accentuate their warming flavor profile. Here are some of the most popular pairings for cloves:
Cinnamon: Cloves and cinnamon are often used together in spice blends because their flavors work so well together. Both have a sweet yet spicy warmth, so they enhance and balance each other out beautifully.
Citrus: Bright, tart citrus flavors like orange, lemon, and lime provide an exciting contrast to the earthy sweetness of cloves. Citrus juices and zests are commonly used with cloves in marinades, baked goods, and beverages.
Vanilla: Vanilla’s rich, floral aroma and taste mellow out the punchy spice of cloves. The two pair wonderfully in baked desserts as well as savory dishes. A touch of vanilla brings out the natural sweetness of cloves.
Pepper: The heat of black or white pepper compliments the pungent, warm bite of cloves. Pepper rounds out cloves’ flavor and gives depth to dishes and baked goods containing both spices.
Ginger: Like cloves, ginger has a sweet yet peppery heat. When used together, ginger and cloves complement each other with layers of spicy warmth. They are an ideal pairing for chai, curries, marinades, cookies and more.
Substitutes
If you don’t have cloves available, there are several good substitutes you can use in cooking and baking. Some of the most commonly used clove substitutes include:
Allspice
Allspice is one of the best substitutes for cloves. It has a very similar flavor profile with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Use 1/2 teaspoon of allspice for every 1 teaspoon of cloves called for (Source).
Cinnamon
Cinnamon makes a good substitute in baked goods like cookies, cakes, and pies. Use 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon for every 1 teaspoon of cloves (Source).
Nutmeg
Nutmeg can be used as a substitute in savory dishes like stews and curries. Use just a pinch or 1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg in place of 1 teaspoon cloves (Source).
Ginger
Ground ginger is another good option for savory recipes. Use 1/4 teaspoon for every 1 teaspoon cloves (Source).
Conclusion
Clove is a distinctive spice that provides a warm, sweet aroma and pungent, bittersweet flavor. Its aroma comes from eugenol, while its flavor depends on the combination of eugenol and acetyl eugenol. The aroma and flavor of clove make it an indispensible ingredient in many savory and sweet dishes across cuisines. It enhances and balances the flavors of other spices and ingredients. Clove is also used in traditional medicinal practices, dental care products, and even cigarettes due to its numbing and antimicrobial properties.
In summary, the unique odor and taste of clove make it one of the most versatile spices. Its aroma provides a sweet, spicy fragrance, while its flavor ranges from peppery to numbing, with hints of vanilla, mint, and nutmeg. Clove’s versatility allows it to shine in both savory and sweet recipes. Whether used in minimal amounts to provide background complexity or as a dominant seasoning, clove imparts warmth and dimension unmatched by other spices.
