Cloves are the aromatic flower buds of the clove tree, scientifically known as Syzygium aromaticum, native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia. Commonly used as a spice in cuisines worldwide, they are small, nail-shaped, and brownish-red.
Cloves have a distinctively strong, pungent, and sweet fragrance. The scent is warm and inviting, characterized by a spicy note that resembles a cross between cinnamon and nutmeg but with deeper, peppery undertones. This rich aroma is caused primarily by the compound eugenol, which is also responsible for the spice's slightly numbing sensation on the palate.
Commonly employed in cooking, herbal medicine, and perfumery, cloves offer a rich, classic olfactory note that complements both sweet and savory dishes and contributes to the depth and intensity of various fragrance compositions. Their scent is especially popular in autumn and winter creations, featuring in many spice-driven and oriental fragrances.
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