Cinnamon vs. Clove — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 23, 2024
Cinnamon is a warm, sweet spice derived from the inner bark of trees in the Cinnamomum family, ideal for desserts and drinks, whereas clove is a pungent, aromatic spice from the flower buds of the clove tree, used in both savory and sweet dishes.
Difference Between Cinnamon and Clove
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Cinnamon is harvested from the inner bark of trees in the Cinnamomum genus, prominently used for its sweet, warm flavor profile in various culinary and traditional medicine applications. Whereas clove, originating from the flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, offers a strong, spicy flavor with an intense aroma, making it suitable for more pungent dishes and also medicinal uses.
Cinnamon is often associated with its use in sweet dishes such as cinnamon rolls and apple pies, enhancing flavors with a subtle, woody sweetness. On the other hand, clove is frequently used in savory dishes like meats and curries, as well as in spice blends such as garam masala, contributing a sharp and penetrating taste.
In terms of health benefits, cinnamon is celebrated for its potential in controlling blood sugar levels and has anti-inflammatory properties. Conversely, clove is recognized for its antiseptic and analgesic properties, particularly effective in dental care and relieving pain.
Cinnamon sticks are curled bark strips, typically used whole or ground into powder. Whereas cloves are small, nail-shaped dried flower buds, used whole or ground, known for their strong, penetrating flavor and aroma.
While cinnamon is often used in beverages like tea, coffee, and hot cocoa for a hint of sweetness, clove is used in beverages such as mulled wines and ciders, imparting a bold, spicy note that is unmistakable.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
Bark of Cinnamomum trees
Flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree
Flavor Profile
Sweet, woody, warm
Pungent, spicy, aromatic
Common Uses
Desserts, pastries, drinks
Savory dishes, spice blends, dental care
Health Benefits
Anti-inflammatory, blood sugar control
Antiseptic, analgesic
Physical Form
Curled bark strips or ground powder
Nail-shaped buds or ground powder
Compare with Definitions
Cinnamon
Cinnamon sticks are used to infuse flavor into hot drinks and stews.
She added a cinnamon stick to her hot apple cider for extra flavor.
Clove
Clove oil is used for its pain-relieving and antiseptic properties.
Clove oil is a popular remedy for toothaches.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is used medicinally to help with digestive issues.
Cinnamon supplements are taken to help with upset stomach.
Clove
A spice made from the dried flower buds of the clove tree, Syzygium aromaticum.
Clove is essential in making spicy meat dishes.
Cinnamon
A spice obtained from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum.
Cinnamon is often added to toast, cereals, and desserts.
Clove
Whole cloves are often added to spice mixes and teas.
Whole cloves are an integral part of homemade chai spice mix.
Cinnamon
Ground cinnamon is known for its sweet, woody flavor in baking.
Ground cinnamon is a key ingredient in cinnamon rolls.
Clove
Clove is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
Clove tea is consumed for its digestive benefits.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon oil, extracted from the bark, is used in flavorings and fragrances.
Cinnamon oil is often used in aromatherapy for its soothing properties.
Clove
Ground clove is used in baking and cooking to add a spicy flavor to dishes.
Ground clove is commonly used in pumpkin pie spice.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum. Cinnamon is used mainly as an aromatic condiment and flavouring additive in a wide variety of cuisines, sweet and savoury dishes, breakfast cereals, snackfoods, tea and traditional foods.
Clove
Cloves are the aromatic flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae, Syzygium aromaticum. They are native to the Maluku Islands (or Moluccas) in Indonesia, and are commonly used as a spice.
Cinnamon
An aromatic spice made from the peeled, dried, and rolled bark of a SE Asian tree
A cinnamon cake
A teaspoon of ground cinnamon
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.
Cinnamon
The tree which yields cinnamon.
Clove
A flower bud of this plant, used whole or ground as a spice.
Cinnamon
The dried aromatic inner bark of certain tropical Asian trees of the genus Cinnamomum, especially C. verum and cassia (C. aromaticum), often ground and used as a spice.
Clove
One of the small sections of a separable bulb, as that of garlic.
Cinnamon
A tree yielding this bark.
Clove
A past tense of cleave1.
Cinnamon
A light reddish brown.
Clove
(Archaic)A past participle of cleave1.
Cinnamon
Flavored with cinnamon.
Clove
A past tense of cleave2.
Cinnamon
Of a light reddish brown.
Clove
A very pungent aromatic spice, the unexpanded flower bud of the clove tree.
Cinnamon
(countable) A small evergreen tree native to Sri Lanka and southern India, Cinnamomum verum or Cinnamomum zeylanicum, belonging to the family Lauraceae.
Clove
(countable) A clove tree, of the species Syzygium aromaticum (syn. Caryophyllus aromaticus), native to the Moluccas (Indonesian islands), which produces the spice.
Cinnamon
Several related trees, notably the Indonesian cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmanni) and Chinese cinnamon or cassia (Cinnamomum aromaticum or Cinnamomum cassia).
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?
Cinnamon
A spice from the dried aromatic bark of the cinnamon tree, either rolled into strips or ground into a powder. The word is commonly used as trade name for spices made of any of the species above.
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
Cinnamon
, the product made of Cinnamomum verum
Clove
Cleft.
Cinnamon
(countable) A warm yellowish-brown color, the color of cinnamon.
Clove
A cleft; a gap; a ravine; - rarely used except as part of a proper name; as, Kaaterskill Clove; Stone Clove.
Cinnamon
Containing cinnamon, or having a cinnamon taste.
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.
Cinnamon
Of a yellowish-brown color.
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.
Cinnamon
The inner bark of the shoots of Cinnamomum Zeylanicum, a tree growing in Ceylon. It is aromatic, of a moderately pungent taste, and is one of the best cordial, carminative, and restorative spices.
Clove
A weight. A clove of cheese is about eight pounds, of wool, about seven pounds.
Cinnamon
Aromatic bark used as a spice
Clove
Aromatic flower bud of a clove tree; yields a spice
Cinnamon
Tropical Asian tree with aromatic yellowish-brown bark; source of the spice cinnamon
Clove
Moderate sized very symmetrical red-flowered evergreen widely cultivated in the tropics for its flower buds which are source of cloves
Cinnamon
Spice from the dried aromatic bark of the Ceylon cinnamon tree; used as rolled strips or ground
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
Common Curiosities
What types of dishes are best for using cinnamon?
Cinnamon is best in sweet dishes like pastries and desserts, as well as in certain beverages.
Can cinnamon and clove be used interchangeably in recipes?
Due to their distinct flavors, they are not generally interchangeable; the choice depends on the desired flavor profile of the dish.
What are the primary health benefits of clove?
Clove is valued for its antiseptic and analgesic properties, especially effective in dental care.
What is the main flavor difference between cinnamon and clove?
Cinnamon offers a sweet, woody warmth, while clove provides a bold, spicy pungency.
What types of dishes are best for using clove?
Clove is ideal for savory dishes, especially meats and curries, and in making spice blends.
How is cinnamon typically prepared and sold?
Cinnamon is sold as curled bark strips or ground into a powder.
How is clove typically prepared and sold?
Clove is available as whole dried buds or ground into a powder.
Are there any risks associated with consuming cinnamon?
Consuming high amounts of cinnamon, especially the cheaper Cassia variety, can lead to liver toxicity due to coumarin content.
What are the primary health benefits of cinnamon?
Cinnamon is known for anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to help control blood sugar.
What are some common medicinal uses of cinnamon?
Cinnamon is commonly used to aid digestion and help manage diabetes.
How do cinnamon and clove differ in their use in traditional medicine?
Cinnamon is primarily used for digestive and metabolic health, whereas clove is used for its antiseptic and pain-relieving properties.
Are there any risks associated with consuming clove?
Excessive consumption can lead to gastrointestinal irritation and mouth sensitivity.
What are some common medicinal uses of clove?
Clove is frequently used to relieve pain, especially toothaches, and to improve digestive health.
Is cinnamon or clove more expensive?
Pricing can vary, but generally, clove is more expensive due to its harvesting and drying process.
Can both cinnamon and clove be used in making tea?
Yes, both can be used in teas; cinnamon adds a sweet note, while clove adds a spicy kick.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
