Cloves are the aromatic dried flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae. Cloves
are native to Indonesia and used as a spice in cuisines all over the world.
Origin
Madagascar.
Flavor/Aroma
Close to cinnamon and nutmeg but stronger.
Use
Whole cloves are often used to “stud” hams and pork, pushing the tapered end
into the meat like a nail. A studded onion is frequently used to impart an elusive
character to courts-bouillons, stocks and soups. Cloves are often used to enhance
the flavor of game. They are used in a number of spice mixtures. Very popular in
North Africa and the Middle East cuisine where they are generally used for meat
dishes, though rice is often aromatized with a few cloves.
