Cloves are the dried unopened flower buds of the clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum), originally from the Maluku islands of Indonesia. Among the most aromatic spices in existence, a single clove contains more flavor than most spices a teaspoon at a time — warm, sweet, woody, with a powerful eugenol kick.
Their history is the history of the spice trade itself. Cloves drove European exploration in the 15th century and were once worth their weight in gold. Today they are indispensable across global kitchens: studded into hams and oranges in Europe, ground into Indian garam masala and Moroccan ras el hanout, simmered in Persian rice dishes, and steeped into chai, mulled wine, and Caribbean rum punches.
Whole cloves release their flavor slowly during long cooking. Grind them fresh for the brightest aroma in baking and spice blends.
Our whole cloves are graded for size and oil content — heavier, plumper cloves give bolder flavor.