Clove (laung)

Description

A clove is a small, dried flower bud that comes from the clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum), which is native to Indonesia. Cloves are a popular spice known for their strong, warm, and aromatic flavor with a hint of sweetness and bitterness. They are commonly used in both savory and sweet dishes, as well as in beverages like mulled wine or chai tea.

Cloves are reddish-brown in color, with a slender stem and a bulbous top that resembles a tiny flower bud. They contain essential oils, primarily eugenol, which gives them their distinctive aroma and medicinal properties. In addition to culinary uses, cloves are valued for their antiseptic, analgesic, and digestive benefits in traditional medicine.