🌿 spicesFeaturedEasy to use
Cloves
Maluku Islands, Indonesia (Spice Islands)Available year-roundIntensely aromatic, sweet-warm, slightly bitter
Did You Know?
Cloves were so valuable in the 17th century that the Dutch massacred the inhabitants of the Banda Islands and monopolized the spice trade — wars were literally fought over cloves.
Overview
Maluku Islands · Available year-round · spices
Cloves are dried flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, with intensely aromatic, sweet, warm, slightly bitter flavor from high eugenol content. Used in savory and sweet cooking globally.
Maluku Islands
Origin
Available year-round
Season
Easy
Difficulty
spices
Category
Flavor Profile
Intensely aromaticsweet-warmslightly bitternumbingvery pungent
Storage Tips
Whole cloves maintain potency for 4+ years. Ground loses flavor within 6–12 months.
Photo Gallery
How to Cook with Cloves
Recipes, pairings, substitutes, and professional tips
Cooking Tips
Use whole in stocks, mulled wine, ham glazes, biryani, and pilaf. Ground in pies, cookies, and spice blends. Use sparingly — very potent.
Best Pairings
hamappleorangecinnamonstar anisecardamomred wine
Substitutes
Allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg
Nutrition & Health Benefits
The nutritional profile and health properties of Cloves
Nutrition Highlights
fat
13
carbs
65.5
fiber
33.9
protein
6
calories
274
manganese
2161% DV
vitamin_k
141% DV
Quick Facts
Categoryspices
OriginMaluku Islands, Indonesia (Spice Islands)
SeasonAvailable year-round
DifficultyEasy
Health Benefits
Eugenol has analgesic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Rich in antioxidants and manganese.
Cloves Photos
4 photos showcasing Cloves in its many forms
🌿
Cloves
spices
OriginMaluku Islands
SeasonAvailable year-round
DifficultyEasy
Flavor Notes
Intensely aromaticsweet-warmslightly bitternumbingvery pungent
Shop This Ingredient
Find premium Cloves in our store
Pairs Well With
hamappleorangecinnamonstar anisecardamomred wine
Explore More Ingredients
Discover the stories, origins, and culinary secrets behind the world's most fascinating ingredients.