Clove

Cloves are the dried flower buds of the clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum), native to Indonesia. The buds are harvested by hand just before they open and then dried, during which process they turn a reddish-brown colour. They have a strong, pungent, and sweet aromatic flavour.

Cloves are primarily used as a spice to add a warm, pungent flavour to a variety of foods. They are common in baked goods like cakes, biscuits, and fruit pies, as well as in savoury dishes, marinades, and spice blends. Manufacturers use them for their distinct flavouring properties.

Cloves are not considered a food additive and are used as a flavouring agent. They have been used traditionally for medicinal purposes, but scientific evidence for specific health benefits at typical dietary intakes is limited. The UK does not have specific regulatory limits for cloves as a spice. Research into the potential health effects of compounds found in cloves is ongoing, but no major controversies regarding their use as a food ingredient have been identified.