Super source
Fat
20.1 g · 26% DV target
An intensely aromatic spice derived from dried flower buds, ground cloves provide a pungent, warming depth to both sweet and savoury dishes and possess the highest antioxidant density of any common culinary herb.
Ground cloves contain the highest mean antioxidant content among hundreds of common spices and herbs, surpassing other dried options like peppermint, cinnamon, and oregano .10
Cloves are a primary source of eugenol (a bioactive compound with antimicrobial properties), which is well-established for its use in supporting dental health and providing topical pain relief .9
Because of their intense flavour and high antioxidant density, cloves are frequently used in dietary strategies to replace sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars without sacrificing palatability .15
Early research indicates that clove extracts may have neuroprotective properties, though current evidence is largely limited to preliminary studies on neurodegeneration .3
Petal shape shows the nine FoodCompass domains, including nutrient density, processing, satiety, fats, and phytochemicals.
20.1 g · 26% DV target
4.40 g · 22% DV target
Not a benefit — best kept low
0.27 mg · 21% DV target
730 mg · 56% DV target
5.60 mg · 31% DV target
260 mg · 62% DV target
Seasonality has not been estimated for this ingredient yet.
Store in a cool, dark place to preserve volatile oils.
Spices have low per-serving emissions, though global transport is a factor.
Cloves were once so valuable that in the 17th century, the Dutch East India Company destroyed clove trees on all but one island to maintain a global monopoly and keep prices high.