About

Cloves are dried unopened flower buds of tropical evergreen trees native to Indonesia. They are a very pungent, aromatic spice and because of their intensity should be used sparingly. Ground cloves are convenient in cooked dishes as when using whole cloves it is best to remove them prior to serving. Throughout the ages cloves have been used to preserve, flavour, and garnish foods. They been used for centuries as a breath freshener. Cloves are used extensively in Indian, Chinese, and Arabic cuisine.

Uses & Ideas 

Add when making festive gingerbread, lebkuchen, or honey cakes. Combine ground cloves with sugar to dust butter cookies.

Combine with apple cider, brown sugar, mustard, and bourbon for a sweet glaze for ham, quail, or duck.

Add to sautéed spinach, zucchini, okra, or corn or tomatoes. Add also to roast vegetables like, parsnips, onions, carrots, or potatoes.

Add to lamb, chicken, or vegetables biriyanis.  
Add equal quantities of ground cloves, cumin, and ground fennel to sourdough croutons whilst tossing in olive oil (until golden). Serve atop soups like roast parsnip, 0r tomato and eggplant.  

Add to ground meat when making pork terrines or sausage rolls or meatballs.

Ginger Nut, Clove, and Mandarin Ice Cream – Crush ginger nut cookies (in a plastic bag) with a rolling pin. Add to slightly softened vanilla bean ice-cream, with ground cloves and mandarin zest. Serve straight away or keep in freezer.