What is Cloves?

Cloves are the whole dried, unopened flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, the Indonesian clove tree, in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae). They are among the most aromatic and concentrated of all spices.

About the plant

The clove tree is native to the Maluku Islands, historically the "Spice Islands," of Indonesia. The buds are picked before they open and dried until they harden into the familiar nail shape. Cloves are exceptionally rich in essential oil, mostly eugenol, which is what gives them their intense aroma and their traditional role in dental preparations. They were a major commodity of the ancient spice trade and later of the European Age of Exploration. In the kitchen they flavor mulled wine, chai, pickling brines, gingerbread, and pumpkin pie, and they are the classic clove-studded pomander spice.

Related herbs

• Cinnamon Sticks — another warming baking and mulling spice.

Cloves: form & sizes

We carry Cloves as organic whole dried flower buds, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Cloves in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Cloves at a glance

Botanical name

Syzygium aromaticum

Family

Myrtaceae

Native region

the Maluku Islands of Indonesia

Plant part

flower buds

Sourcing

Organic

Part used

Whole dried unopened flower buds

Primary aromatic compound

Eugenol

Form

whole dried flower buds

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb