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 |