Clove

With their distinct warm and sweet profile, cloves infuse a unique aroma into diverse dishes, though caution is advised due to their potential to overpower when ground. Opting for whole cloves preserves flavor, as their resemblance to nails, 'clavus' in Latin, hints at their appearance. Amplifying meat, curries, and marinades, cloves are essential in biriyani, pulao, and Indian sweets like boondi ladoo. Beyond taste, they offer essential nutrients like manganese, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, while their oil provides relief from toothaches through numbing properties.