Cloves — Zanzibar (Syzygium aromaticum)

Cloves are the dried flower buds of the clove tree Syzygium aromaticum. Renowned from Zanzibar, they bring a concentrated, warm and sweet-spicy aroma to both sweet and savory dishes.

• Common name: Cloves
• Latin name: Syzygium aromaticum
• Family: Myrtaceae
• Origin/Provenance: Zanzibar (Tanzania); also cultivated in Indonesia and Madagascar
• Form: whole buds or ground
• Profile: warm, sweet, camphorous, slightly peppery

Aroma & Flavor

Intense, sweet-spicy warmth with a cooling camphor note. A little goes a long way; overuse can dominate other flavors.

Culinary Uses & Pairings

Core element in many blends (e.g., curry powders, Chinese five-spice, mulled wine spices). Use in stews, stocks, rice dishes, marinades, baked goods, compotes, and preserved fruit. Pairs beautifully with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, star anise, citrus peel, vanilla and black pepper.

How to Use

• Stud an onion: push 2–4 cloves into a peeled onion; simmer in stocks, soups or braises, then remove.
• Whole buds: add early to liquids; remove before serving (texture stays firm).
• Quick toast: warm in a dry pan 20–30 s until fragrant; grind fresh for spice mixes or baking.
• Ground: bloom briefly in warm fat or add late to batters and sauces.

Dosage & Tips

• Soups/stews: 2–4 whole cloves per 1 l (4 cups) liquid.
• Mulled drinks/syrups: 3–6 cloves per 500 ml (2 cups); steep and strain.
• Baking: 1/8–1/4 tsp ground per 250 g (9 oz) flour—combine with cinnamon for balance.
• Use sparingly—cloves can easily overpower delicate herbs.

Ingredients & Allergens

Ingredients: Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum).

Allergens: none mandatory in EN labeling for this single ingredient.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store airtight, cool, dry and away from light. Whole buds retain aroma longer than ground; grind only as needed. Best within 12–18 months.

Substitutes & Notes

Closest swaps: allspice (milder, rounder) or a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg. Use less ground clove than the recipe’s total warm-spice amount to avoid dominance.

Related Entries

• Cinnamon (Ceylon)
• Allspice
• Star anise

FAQ

Whole or ground?
Whole for infusions and easy removal; ground for quick, even distribution—add sparingly.

Can cloves be eaten?
They are edible but very strong and woody; remove whole buds before serving for best texture.

Do cloves clash with fresh herbs?
They can overshadow delicate herbs. Pair with robust spices or add in very small amounts.

Merchant contact: Orlandosidee — Spice Shop (see site imprint for full company details).