Clove (Laung)

Clove is a strong, aromatic spice used extensively in Indian cooking. It has a warm, sweet yet slightly bitter taste and is often used to flavor rice dishes, meats, and pickles. Cloves are used whole in garam masala or ground in various spice blends. Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, cloves are also used in traditional medicine to treat toothaches, indigestion, and respiratory issues. Their essential oil is potent, offering antiseptic properties. In Indian cuisine, cloves bring depth and complexity to dishes like biryani, curries, and masala chai.