Allspice vs. Clove: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on September 30, 2023
Allspice is a berry from the Pimenta dioica tree, while Clove is a dried flower bud from the Syzygium aromaticum tree.
Key Differences
Allspice, derived from the dried berries of the Pimenta dioica plant, is a spice unique in its flavor profile, encapsulating hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Conversely, clove is a distinctive spice that originates from the dried, unopened flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree. While allspice offers a multifaceted taste, clove imparts a potent and aromatic sweetness with a spicy kick, making it unmistakable in culinary applications.
Allspice berries are typically small and dark brown, and they are ground to be used as a spice in cooking. Clove, on the other hand, is recognized by its long stem and bulbous, reddish-brown bud, and it can be used whole or ground in various culinary dishes. The visual difference between allspice and clove is marked, with the former appearing as small, rounded berries and the latter as elongated buds.
The use of allspice is prevalent in Caribbean cuisine, featuring in jerk seasoning and various spice blends. In contrast, clove is a staple in diverse cuisines, from Indian to Indonesian, and is famed for its role in spice mixtures like garam masala and kretek. The versatile nature of allspice allows it to blend seamlessly in both sweet and savory dishes, while the strong and penetrating flavor of clove necessitates more measured use to avoid overpowering a dish.
In medicinal contexts, both allspice and clove exhibit beneficial properties, such as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. The eugenol content in clove oil is notably high, rendering it effective for dental pain relief and various medicinal applications. The diversified flavor of allspice and the concentrated sweetness and spiciness of clove make them sought-after spices in culinary arts and healing practices alike.
Comparison Chart
Origin
Dried berries of the Pimenta dioica plant
Dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree
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Flavor Profile
Mix of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg
Strong, sweet, and spicy
Appearance
Small, dark brown, rounded berries
Long stem and bulbous, reddish-brown bud
Use in Cuisine
Prevalent in Caribbean cuisine
Staple in various cuisines including Indian and Indonesian
Medicinal Properties
Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects
High in eugenol, used for dental pain and other medicinal applications
Allspice and Clove Definitions
Allspice
A spice with a flavor resembling a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
The chef added allspice to the dessert to enhance its flavor profile.
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Clove
A spice derived from the dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree.
A few cloves can infuse a hearty warmth into a pot of mulled wine.
Allspice
A versatile spice used in both sweet and savory dishes.
A pinch of allspice can elevate the taste of a stew.
Clove
A sweet and spicy flavored spice, used whole or ground.
The aromatic presence of clove enriched the curry's flavor.
Allspice
Dried berry of the Pimenta dioica plant used in ground form.
Allspice is a crucial ingredient in Caribbean jerk seasoning.
Clove
A staple ingredient in various spice mixtures and cuisines.
Clove is an integral component of the garam masala spice blend.
Allspice
A spice known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Allspice oil can be used to alleviate muscle pain.
Clove
An evergreen tree (Syzygium aromaticum) native to the Moluccas and widely cultivated as a source of oil and for its aromatic dried flower buds.
Allspice
An evergreen tree (Pimenta dioica) native to the West Indies, Mexico, and Central America, having opposite, simple leaves and white flowers clustered in cymes.
Clove
A flower bud of this plant, used whole or ground as a spice.
Allspice
The dried, nearly ripe berries of this plant, used as a spice. In both senses also called pimento.
Clove
One of the small sections of a separable bulb, as that of garlic.
Allspice
(uncountable) A spice; the dried and ground unripe fruit of Pimenta dioica, thought to combine the flavours of several spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.
Clove
A past tense of cleave1.
Allspice
(countable) Pimenta dioica, an evergreen tree of tropical America with aromatic berries.
Clove
(Archaic)A past participle of cleave1.
Allspice
The berry of the pimento (Eugenia pimenta), a tree of the West Indies; a spice of a mildly pungent taste, and agreeably aromatic; Jamaica pepper; pimento. It has been supposed to combine the flavor of cinnamon, nutmegs, and cloves; and hence the name. The name is also given to other aromatic shrubs; as, the Carolina allspice (Calycanthus floridus); wild allspice (Lindera benzoin), called also spicebush, spicewood, and feverbush.
Clove
A past tense of cleave2.
Allspice
Aromatic West Indian tree that produces allspice berries
Clove
A very pungent aromatic spice, the unexpanded flower bud of the clove tree.
Allspice
Deciduous shrubs having aromatic bark; eastern China; southwestern and eastern United States
Clove
(countable) A clove tree, of the species Syzygium aromaticum (syn. Caryophyllus aromaticus), native to the Moluccas (Indonesian islands), which produces the spice.
Allspice
Ground dried berrylike fruit of a West Indian allspice tree; suggesting combined flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg and cloves
Clove
(countable) An old English measure of weight, containing 7 pounds (3.2 kg), i.e. half a stone. is this under the correct etymology?
Allspice
An aromatic spice popular in Caribbean cuisine.
The presence of allspice in the marinade gave the dish a distinct flavor.
Clove
One of the small bulbs formed in the axils of the scales of a large bulb.
Clove of garlic, garlic clove, clove of a sea-onion, clove of shallot, cloves of bulbs
Clove
Cleft.
Clove
A cleft; a gap; a ravine; - rarely used except as part of a proper name; as, Kaaterskill Clove; Stone Clove.
Clove
A very pungent aromatic spice, the unexpanded flower bud of the clove tree (Eugenia aromatica syn. Caryophullus aromatica), a native of the Molucca Isles.
Clove
One of the small bulbs developed in the axils of the scales of a large bulb, as in the case of garlic.
Developing, in the axils of its skales, new bulbs, of what gardeners call cloves.
Clove
A weight. A clove of cheese is about eight pounds, of wool, about seven pounds.
Clove
Aromatic flower bud of a clove tree; yields a spice
Clove
Moderate sized very symmetrical red-flowered evergreen widely cultivated in the tropics for its flower buds which are source of cloves
Clove
One of the small bulblets that can be split off of the axis of a larger garlic bulb
Clove
Spice from dried unopened flower bud of the clove tree; used whole or ground
Clove
Known for its high eugenol content, beneficial for dental pain.
Applying clove oil can provide relief from toothaches.
Clove
A potent spice with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Clove tea can help in soothing sore throats due to its antiseptic properties.
FAQs
What is the flavor profile of allspice?
Allspice has a flavor resembling a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Is clove used in different cuisines?
Yes, clove is a versatile spice used in various cuisines including Indian, Indonesian, and many more.
Are the medicinal properties of allspice well recognized?
Yes, allspice is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Can clove be used for dental pain?
Yes, clove, especially clove oil, is renowned for alleviating dental pain due to its high eugenol content.
Which cuisine prominently features allspice?
Allspice is prominently featured in Caribbean cuisine.
Does clove have a strong flavor?
Yes, clove has a distinctively strong, sweet, and spicy flavor.
Are cloves the buds of a tree?
Yes, cloves are the dried, unopened flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree.
Is allspice made from a blend of different spices?
No, allspice is a single spice made from the dried berries of the Pimenta dioica plant, but its flavor resembles a blend of other spices.
Can allspice be used in savory dishes?
Absolutely, allspice is versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.
Can clove be used in its whole form?
Yes, clove can be used both whole and in ground form depending on the recipe.
Does allspice have a similar appearance to cloves?
No, allspice appears as small, dark brown, rounded berries, while cloves have a long stem and a bulbous, reddish-brown bud.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
