At first glance, sticking cloves into an onion looks strange—almost decorative, like something you’d see in an old kitchen or a forgotten folk ritual. But this simple combination has been used for centuries across cultures, not as a gimmick, but as a practical, multipurpose kitchen trick with culinary, aromatic, and traditional wellness benefits.

Far from being random, the pairing of onion and cloves brings together two powerful ingredients whose properties complement each other in subtle but effective ways.

Where This Tradition Comes From

The practice of studding an onion with cloves is most famously associated with classic European cooking, especially French cuisine. Known as an “onion clouté,” it was traditionally added to soups, stocks, and sauces to infuse flavor gently without overpowering the dish.

But beyond cooking, many households also used this combination for:

• Air purification

• Insect deterrence

• Traditional home remedies

This versatility is why the trick has endured for generations.

Why Cloves and Onions Work So Well Together

The Power of the Onion

Onions are rich in sulfur compounds that:

• Release antimicrobial vapors when cut

• Absorb odors from the surrounding air

• Add deep, savory flavor when cooked slowly

The Strength of Cloves

Cloves contain eugenol, a compound known for:

• Strong aromatic qualities

• Antibacterial and antifungal properties

• Natural insect-repelling effects

When cloves are inserted into an onion, their properties combine in a controlled, balanced way.

1. A Classic Culinary Flavor Booster

The most well-established use of a clove-studded onion is in cooking.

How it’s used:

• Insert 4–8 whole cloves into a peeled onion

• Add it whole to soups, broths, or stews

• Remove before serving

Why chefs love it:

• Adds warmth and depth without visible spices

• Prevents clove bits from floating in food

• Infuses flavor slowly and evenly

This method is especially popular in:

• Chicken stock

• Beef broth

• Cream sauces

• Lentil and vegetable soups

It’s flavor control at its finest.

2. A Natural Air Freshener for the Home

In many traditional households, a clove-studded onion was placed in a room to help neutralize odors.

How it works:

• Onion absorbs smells

• Cloves release a warm, spicy aroma

• Together, they reduce musty or stale air

This was commonly used in:

• Kitchens

• Pantries

• Storage rooms

While not a replacement for modern air filtration, it’s a chemical-free option that still works surprisingly well.

3. Traditional Insect Deterrent

Cloves are widely known to repel insects, especially flies and mosquitoes. Onions enhance this effect by slowly releasing moisture and sulfur compounds.

Used traditionally to:

• Deter flies in food preparation areas

• Reduce mosquitoes near windows

• Protect stored foods

This method is still used in some rural homes today, especially where chemical repellents are avoided.

4. Gentle Traditional Wellness Use (Supportive, Not Curative)

In folk traditions, clove-studded onions were sometimes placed near beds or living areas during illness—not as medicine, but as supportive comfort.

People believed it could:

• Freshen air during colds

• Create a soothing environment

• Discourage airborne microbes

It’s important to be clear:  This does not treat or cure disease.

Its role was environmental support, not medical intervention.

5. A Simple Way to Reduce Food Waste

This trick also reflects an older mindset: use what you have, fully.

• Slightly soft onions could still be used this way

• Whole cloves last longer when used intact

• No special tools required

It’s a reminder that efficiency and simplicity once defined everyday kitchen wisdom.

How to Do It Properly

What you need:

• 1 medium onion (peeled or unpeeled)

• 4–10 whole cloves

Steps:

1. Gently press the pointed end of each clove into the onion

2. Space them evenly

3. Use immediately for cooking, or place in a dish for aromatic use

Replace every 1–2 days if used outside cooking.

What This Trick Is Not

To avoid misinformation, it’s important to clarify:

• It does not cure infections

• It does not purify air in a medical sense

• It does not replace hygiene or ventilation

Its value lies in flavor, aroma, and traditional practicality, not miracle claims.

Why Old Kitchen Tricks Still Matter

The clove-studded onion is a perfect example of how simple knowledge survives because it works. Not dramatically. Not instantly. But quietly, reliably, and safely.

In an age of complex solutions, it reminds us that some of the most useful ideas are:

• Low-cost

• Low-risk

• Rooted in experience

Final Thoughts

Sticking cloves into an onion isn’t superstition or decoration. It’s a small, thoughtful trick that blends cooking skill, household practicality, and traditional wisdom.

Whether used to enhance a pot of soup, freshen a room, or keep insects at bay, it shows how much potential still lives in the most ordinary ingredients.

Sometimes, the smartest solutions are already sitting in the kitchen - waiting to be noticed.