Cloves

Name: Clove
Botanical Name: Syzygium Aromaticum
Family Name: Myrtaceae

Description
Cloves have an astringent, sweet-hot, fruity flavour that leaves a numbing sensation in the mouth. It's a warming spice. In Chinese history, during the Han period (220-206 BC) court officials had to hold whole cloves in the mouths when addressing the Emperor - to make sure their breaths were clean.

Usage
In Indian cuisine, cinnamon and cloves are used together. Clove is a strong spice, just 2 or 3 in a dish gives a perceptible flavour. Cloves burn faster than cinnamon and should always be put after cinnamon. Clove oil is heavily used in perfumes, cosmetics, mouth washers and toothpastes. Dentists still use clove oil as a mild anesthetizer.