It tastes spicy and cold, dear (5)

I believe the answer is:

clove

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'it tastes spicy' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'cold dear' is the wordplay.
'cold' becomes 'c' (eg on taps).
'dear' becomes 'love' (synonyms).
'c'+'love'='CLOVE'

'and' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for clove that I've seen before include "Spice, used whole or ground" , "Dried flower bud spice" , "A small bulb as of garlic" , "Pungent spice" , "Aromatic bud" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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