Cloves

Cloves are small, dark brown flower buds from the clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum), known for their warm, sweet, and slightly peppery flavor. They’re widely used in Nigerian and West African cooking to add depth and aroma to dishes like pepper soup, jollof rice, stews, and meat marinades. Cloves are powerful — a little goes a long way! They can be used whole or ground, releasing their strong, warm scent and rich, slightly spicy taste. Apart from flavor, cloves are packed with antioxidants and are known for their medicinal benefits, including aiding digestion, relieving toothaches, and soothing colds. They’re a small but mighty spice that brings boldness and warmth to both savory and sweet dishes.