Cloves add a pungent kick of spicy sweetness to a wide array of savory and sweet dishes.

Sold in both whole and ground form, cloves are a wonderful warming spice to add to your pantry.

Cloves are a cozy spice that bring a whole lot of character to a dish.

Cloves on a Small Plate on a Wooden Tray

Simply Recipes / Lori Rice

Heres everything it’s crucial that you know about this special spice.

The small, spike-topped buds of the tree are harvested before they flower and are then dried.

While the buds are green in color when harvested, they turn deep, dark brown when dried.

Cloves on a Wooden Tray

Simply Recipes / Lori Rice

Whole vs.

Ground Cloves

Cloves are sold in both whole and ground form.

However, both ground and whole cloves have a place in the kitchen pantry.

Cloves on a Wooden Tray

Simply Recipes / Lori Rice

What Do Cloves Taste Like?

Cloves are quite strong in aroma and flavor.

They deliver a whole lot of warm spiciness, with also some bitterness and sweetness.

Since they are so pungent, a little goes a long way in a dish.

Another place to look for cloves is Indian grocery stores because the spice is often used in the cuisine.

The best substitute for cloves isallspice.

This spice has a similar pungency, with a bit of sweet pepperiness.

you could substitute an equal amount of whole allspice berries or ground allspice for whole or ground cloves.

Another good substitute for ground cloves is equal parts ground nutmeg and cinnamon.

When combined, both lend a similar amount of spicy sweetness.

Thats because whole cloves remain woody and tough even after cooking.

Cloves are used in everything from meat rubs and marinades to baked goods and sauces.

Cloves are also a common addition to Indian rice dishes.

Clove Recipes to Explore