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