The compelling flavor of cloves is hot and tingly, and leaves a lingering aftertaste. Native to the spice islands, demand for these buds helped fuel the Age of Discovery and they remain just as popular today.

Cloves should always be used with a very light hand, whether alone or in combination. The intense flavors can easily overpower a dish, but are lost quickly when cloves are ground. Keep only a small quantity on hand and grind as needed.