Native to the Spice Islands, cloves are considered one of the world’s most important spices. They are the dried, unopened flower bud of a small tropical evergreen tree. The name is derived from the Latin word for nail, clavus. This reddish-brown seasoning has a slightly bitter, allspice-like flavor is used in sweet and savory dishes. It is highly aromatic. Cooking Notes Comes in a 1 oz. Package Gives a spicy kick to hot chocolate and fruit salads, when used in moderation Frequently used in ham dishes Add a pinch to savory stews and sauces Cloves naturally have a high oil content, so add them later in the cooking process so that they Use sparingly, since it has an intense flavor and can easily overpower other flavors