Clove

Clove is the dried flower bud of the clove tree, dark brown with a nail-like shape and a warm, sweet aroma. Its flavor is intensely warm and camphoraceous with a slight numbing bite; a little goes a long way in spice blends, baked goods, braises, and mulled drinks. Used whole to stud meats and simmer in stews, or ground to season curries and desserts; sold whole or pre-ground.

Native to Indonesia’s Maluku Islands, clove spread through Indian Ocean trade and became integral to Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, and European cooking. Buds are harvested before opening and sun-dried, then traded globally from major producers in Indonesia, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka.