Clove

A dried floral bud, it is a pure vial of eugenol (a powerful natural anesthetic and antiseptic). Its aromatic power is so violent that a single clove can saturate several liters of broth. The classic inclusion technique (pinning it into an onion) controls its diffusion: the onion acts as a protective float, while the hot liquid slowly dissolves the eugenol, bringing a subtle mentholated and medicinal depth to pot-au-feu or poultry broths.