| Appearance | Dried, unopened flower buds, typically dark brown or black |
| Color | Dark brown to black |
| Odor | Strong, aromatic, sweet, and pungent |
| Taste | Spicy, warm, and slightly bitter |
| Texture | Hard, dry, and brittle |
| Moisture Content | Not more than 10% |
| Foreign Matter | Not more than 1% |
| Size | Uniform in size, typically 1–2 cm in length |
| Bulk Density | 0.50 – 0.70 g/cm³ |
| Essential Oil Content | 15-20% (mainly eugenol) |
| Adulteration | Free from artificial color, preservatives, and adulterants |
| Insect Infestation | Free from live/dead insects, larvae, or rodent contamination |