One of the oldest and most storied spices in existence, cloves—or Eugenia Caryophyllata in Latin—have a rich culinary and medicinal history dating back thousands of years. Today, cloves are best known for their powerful aroma that can add intense warmth to any dish they are added to.

What Are Cloves?

Derived from the flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, an evergreen tree in the myrtle plant family, cloves are a powerfully aromatic spice that resemble a tiny tack. Named after the French word “clou,” meaning “nail,” cloves are a popular spice around the world and are used in a wide range of international cuisines.