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How to Buy Cloves and Store Them Right: A Spice Rack Essential

Looking to add bold, warming depth to your cooking? Whole cloves are one of those small-but-mighty spices you’ll want on hand. Whether you’re prepping a holiday ham, simmering mulled wine, or baking a spiced dessert, knowing how to choose and store cloves can make a big difference in your kitchen.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to look for when buying cloves, how to store them for lasting freshness, and the many ways to use this intensely aromatic spice in your recipes.

What Are Cloves, Really?

Cloves are the dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree. Small and nail-shaped with a reddish-brown hue, these buds are known for their powerful aroma and deep, slightly sweet-spicy flavour.

Their scent leans toward warm, woodsy, and peppery with a hint of bitterness — the kind of aroma that instantly signals the start of something delicious simmering on the stove.

What to Look for When Buying Cloves

Not all cloves are created equal. When you’re choosing whole cloves for your spice cabinet, it’s worth knowing what makes them fresh, flavorful, and worth the price.

✅ 1. Colour & Surface Texture

High-quality cloves should be dark reddish-brown with a slightly oily, almost glossy appearance. That oil sheen is a good indicator of retained essential oils, which carry the most aroma and flavour.

Avoid cloves that look dull, greyish, or powdery — those are likely past their prime.

✅ 2. Uniform Shape and Size

Look for cloves that are fairly consistent in size and shape. This indicates proper sorting and minimal breakage during processing. Each clove should have a sturdy stem and an intact bud at the top.

✅ 3. Strong Aroma

Give the cloves a sniff — even from the bag. Fresh cloves should smell sweet, spicy, and pungent. If the aroma is faint or dusty, the cloves are likely stale.

Our tip: At The Spice Way, we only stock cloves with high oil content and unmistakable fragrance — you’ll smell the difference as soon as you open the pouch.

Where to Buy Fresh, High-Quality Cloves

You can find cloves in most grocery stores, but if you're after peak flavour and longer shelf life, specialty spice shops and trusted online retailers are your best bet.

When buying online, check for:

  • Harvest date or batch freshness

  • Country of origin (e.g., Madagascar, Sri Lanka, India)

  • Sourcing practices (look for minimally processed, whole buds)

  • Packaging type (resealable, airtight, and light-blocking is ideal)

👉 Shop Cloves at The Spice Way – sourced with care, packed for freshness, and ready for your next slow-braised dish.

How to Store Cloves to Keep Them Fresh

1. Keep Them Whole

Whole cloves retain their potency far longer than ground versions. Only grind what you need just before using — you’ll notice a serious boost in aroma and flavour.

2. Store in Airtight Containers

Choose a glass or metal jar with a tight-fitting lid. Avoid storing in plastic bags or flimsy spice jars that let in air or moisture.

Bonus Tip: A dark-tinted jar helps block light exposure, which can degrade the spice over time.

3. Avoid Heat, Light, and Humidity

Keep your cloves in a cool, dry cupboard away from the stove or oven. Heat and sunlight can cause essential oils to evaporate faster — and that means less flavour for your recipes.

4. Use Within a Year for Best Results

While cloves don’t exactly “go bad,” their oils and flavour fade over time. A good batch stored properly should stay fragrant for 10–12 months.

Cooking with Cloves: Best Uses in the Kitchen

Cloves have a strong personality — a little goes a long way. Used thoughtfully, they bring bold character to both savoury and sweet recipes.

Here’s Where Cloves Shine:

  • Baking: Think gingerbread, pumpkin pie, spice cookies, and apple crisps.

  • Savory Braises: Whole cloves add depth to long-simmered stews, tagines, and pot roasts.

  • Rice Dishes: In Indian biryanis or pilafs, a couple of cloves in the pot creates a gently perfumed base.

  • Pickles & Preserves: Often added to pickling spice blends or chutneys.

  • Holiday Drinks: Essential for mulled wine, hot cider, or spiced teas.

Pro Tip: Insert whole cloves into an onion or orange when simmering soups, broths, or beverages. It’s an easy way to infuse flavour and remove them later with no mess.

How Much Clove Should You Use?

Because of their intensity, cloves should be used sparingly. A good rule of thumb:

  • 1–2 whole cloves per serving in stews or braises

  • ¼ to ½ teaspoon ground cloves in baked goods or spice mixes

  • Always balance with cinnamon, allspice, or nutmeg to round out the sharpness

How to Grind Cloves at Home

Grinding whole cloves releases their oils and wakes up their aroma.

To do it right:

  1. Toast whole cloves in a dry skillet for 30–45 seconds.

  2. Let them cool slightly.

  3. Use a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to grind into a fine powder.

  4. Use immediately or store in an airtight jar for up to a week.

Recipe Ideas That Use Cloves

Spiced Beef Stew with Whole Cloves

Add 2 whole cloves to your stew pot alongside bay leaves and peppercorns. Simmer low and slow for 2–3 hours — the flavour payoff is rich and warming.

Apple Clove Compote

Toss sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of ground cloves. Cook down until syrupy and spoon over waffles, oatmeal, or ice cream.

Fragrant Clove Rice

Sauté a clove-studded onion in butter before adding basmati rice. Cook with water or broth and a cinnamon stick for a gently spiced side dish.

Creative Ways to Use Cloves Beyond the Norm

Want to think outside the jar? Cloves have a place in more than just grandma’s spice cake.

  • Clove-Infused Syrups: Simmer whole cloves in sugar syrup to drizzle over pancakes or mix into cocktails.

  • Spice Blends: Mix ground cloves into your garam masala, baharat, or pumpkin spice mix.

  • Flavored Butters: Combine softened butter with brown sugar and a dash of clove for spreading on warm bread.

Buying Cloves in Bulk? Here’s How to Store Them Right

If you cook often or bake seasonally, buying cloves in bulk can be a smart move — as long as you store them properly.

Bulk Clove Storage Tips:

  • Divide into smaller containers — keep one for daily use and the rest sealed tightly for backup.

  • Vacuum-seal for long-term freshness, especially in humid climates.

  • Label with date so you can track freshness.

At The Spice Way, we offer bulk options in resealable bags designed to maintain freshness — perfect for chefs, bakers, and serious spice fans.

Final Tips: How to Know If Cloves Are Still Good

Here’s a quick test:

  • Look: Do they still have a rich reddish-brown colour?

  • Smell: Is the aroma strong and sweet-spicy?

  • Float Test: Drop one in water — fresh cloves float vertically with the bud on top.

If they fail any of the above, it might be time to replace them. Don’t waste your recipe on faded spice.

Why The Spice Way Cloves Stand Out

We source our cloves directly from expert growers, selecting only those that meet strict freshness and oil content standards. Every batch is packed to preserve the essential oils that give cloves their punch, and our customers love the strong, sweet-spicy scent that fills the kitchen the moment the bag opens.

Whether you’re braising meat, baking pies, or prepping for the holidays, The Spice Way cloves deliver lasting flavour and exceptional quality — every time.

How to Buy Cloves and Store Them Right: A Spice Rack Essential
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