Description
Cloves are the rich, brown, dried, unopened flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, an evergreen tree in the myrtle family. The name comes from the French “clou” meaning nail.
Cloves are best known as a sweet and aromatic spice. Whether added to baked goods, drinks such as Chai tea or home-made cider or meals such as curries, stews or meats, whole cloves pack a powerful punch. Ground or whole cloves flavor meat, sauces, and rice dishes.
Cloves come from Madagascar, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.
Taste and Aroma Description: Cloves are strong, pungent, and sweet.
Storage Tips: Store in cool, dark, dry places.
Ground Cloves add spicy depth to gingerbread, cookies, applesauce, muffins, cakes, and other sweets. It’s a secret ingredient in barbecue and cocktail sauces. Blend Ground Cloves with maple syrup and drizzle over cooked sweet potatoes and winter squash. Add a few Whole Cloves to bean and split pea soups (remove before serving). Eugenol (clove oil) will collect and cake in the container when Cloves are stored in a warm place. If you choose to grind your own Cloves, do not use a grinder that has plastic parts. Clove oil can cloud some plastics.
