Which one of the following spices is obtained from flower buds ?

Clove is the spice obtained from flower buds. Specifically, cloves are the dried, aromatic, fully grown unopened flower buds of the evergreen tree Eugenia caryophyllus [c1][c3][t3]. These buds resemble round-headed nails and are harvested before they open to preserve their pungent flavor and volatile oils, such as eugenol [t3]. In contrast, other spices listed are derived from different plant parts: coriander is obtained from seeds and leaves [c3][t8], cardamom is derived from the dried fruit pods or seeds of Elettaria cardamomum [t3][t4], and turmeric is a rhizome (underground stem) belonging to the ginger family [c3][c4][t2]. Spices are generally defined as dried plant parts including roots, barks, and buds used for flavoring [t1][t6]. Clove's unique classification as a flower bud makes it the correct answer among the provided options.

Sources

1. [1] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 12: Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India > Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) > p. 65
2. [2] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 12: Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India > List of Spices > p. 81
3. [3] https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/cpg-sec-525750-spices-definitions
4. [4] Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Exploring Substances: Acidic, Basic, and Neutral > FASCINATING FACTS > p. 15
5. [5] https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/ethnobotany/food/spices.shtml