Organic Whole Cloves
Whole Organic Cloves are the unopened flower bud of an evergreen tree, boasting pungent, woody, sweet and almost peppery flavor. We source certified organic cloves that pair well alongside sweet and savory cuisine.
Suggested uses
Basic prep
Use whole or insert into other foods, removing before serving. Grind in spice mill and add to baking recipes.
Storage & handling
Store in cool, dry place.
Ingredients
Organic cloves.
Our Whole Organic Cloves, or "Sysygium aromaticum," are handpicked from evergreen trees in hot weather climates all over the world, but are native to the spice islands of Indonesia.
These unopened, pink flower buds resemble tiny nails. In fact, their English name is from the Latin word clavus, meaning nail. The earliest mention of cloves in writing is during the Han dynasty in China (207 B.C. to A.D. 220) in which officers were required to hold cloves in their mouth when talking to the king, apparently to ensure acceptability of their breath.
Eugenol, the chemical that accounts for the strong taste of the clove, also has a natural numbing effect. When used too liberally, the flavor can run rampant through a dish, so using them sparingly to balance out flavors is best. Surprisingly, pairing this flavor with other eugenol-rich foods (cinnamon, allspice, red wine, vanilla, basil) and fruits is the key to balancing out its intense essence.