If you’ve ever opened a jar of cloves, you know how powerful their aroma can be — warm, sweet, and just a little sharp. At The Spice Way, we love cloves for their ability to bring depth and character to everything from spiced cookies to savory stews. Whether you’re stocking up for holiday baking or adding them to your everyday spice kit, understanding how to choose, store, and use cloves will keep them at their best for as long as possible.

What Are Cloves and Why Are They So Flavorful?

Cloves are the dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, valued for their intense aroma and warm-sweet flavor that holds its own in both sweet and savory dishes.

These small, nail-shaped buds have a deep reddish-brown color and a bold fragrance that’s hard to miss. Their flavor is a mix of warmth, gentle sweetness, and a hint of bitterness — strong enough to stand out even when used sparingly.

Cloves appear in spice traditions around the globe:

• In Indian cuisine, whole cloves perfume biryanis and masalas.
  
  
• In European holiday baking, ground cloves give gingerbread its signature depth.
  
  
• In Middle Eastern cooking, cloves mingle with cinnamon and cardamom in fragrant rice dishes.
  
  

For the freshest experience, we recommend sourcing cloves from trusted suppliers who prioritize careful harvesting and minimal processing — the way we do at The Spice Way.

Where to Buy High-Quality Cloves

Should You Choose Whole or Ground Cloves?

Whole cloves retain their flavor longer, while ground cloves are convenient for baking and quick seasoning.

Whole cloves can last up to three years if stored correctly. They’re perfect when you want the flavor to infuse slowly into a dish — like a pot of mulled cider or a slow-simmered curry. Ground cloves lose potency faster (usually within 1–2 years) but blend easily into batters, doughs, and spice rubs.

Signs of Fresh, High-Quality Cloves

Look for cloves that are plump, uniform in shape, and a rich reddish-brown. They should have a strong, sweet-spicy aroma when crushed. A simple freshness test for whole cloves is the “float test”:

• Drop a clove into a glass of water.
  
  
• If it floats vertically or sinks, it still has good oil content.
  
  
• If it lies flat on the surface, its flavor may have faded.
  
  

Best Places to Source Cloves

• Specialty spice shops (like The Spice Way) offer freshness and sourcing transparency.
  
  
• Well-stocked grocery stores often carry ground cloves, though turnover varies.
  
  
• Online spice retailers can provide access to premium cloves and bulk buying options.
  
  

How to Store Cloves for Long-Lasting Flavor

The Three Enemies of Spice Freshness: Light, Heat, Moisture

To keep cloves fresh, store them away from light, heat, and moisture — the main factors that cause flavor loss.

Light breaks down the aromatic oils that give cloves their strength. Heat speeds up that process, while moisture can lead to clumping or mold.

Best Containers for Clove Storage

• Airtight Glass Jars – Ideal for keeping out air and moisture. Amber or tinted glass provides extra light protection.
  
  
• Metal Tins – Lightweight, stackable, and great for blocking light.
  
  
• Vacuum-Sealed Pouches – Useful if buying in bulk, but repackage into smaller jars for daily use.
  
  

Whole vs. Ground: Which Lasts Longer?

Whole cloves can hold their flavor for 2–3 years with proper storage, thanks to their protective outer layer. Ground cloves are more exposed to air and typically last 1–2 years before flavor noticeably fades.

Where to Store Cloves in Your Kitchen

Keep cloves in a pantry, spice drawer, or cabinet — away from heat sources like ovens or stovetops. Even though it’s convenient to keep them near the stove, constant temperature changes shorten their shelf life.

Common Clove Storage Mistakes to Avoid

• Bulk buying without a usage plan – Flavor fades before you can use them.
  
  
• Clear jars in sunlight – Light quickly degrades volatile oils.
  
  
• Fridge or freezer storage – Moisture condensation can cause spoilage.
  
  

How to Use Cloves in Everyday Cooking

Using Whole Cloves in Savory Dishes

Whole cloves release their flavor slowly, making them perfect for simmered dishes, broths, and pickles.

Popular uses include:

• Adding 2–3 cloves to a pot of rice for subtle aroma.
  
  
• Studding an onion with cloves before adding to stock or soup.
  
  
• Flavoring brines for pickled vegetables.
  
  

Adding Ground Cloves for Baking and Desserts

Ground cloves blend easily into batters and doughs, lending warmth to sweet recipes.

Classic uses:

• Spice cakes and gingerbread.
  
  
• Pumpkin or sweet potato pies.
  
  
• Holiday cookies and fruit preserves.
  
  

Pairing Cloves with Other Spices

Cloves pair beautifully with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and star anise. Together, they create balanced blends for both sweet and savory dishes.

Quick Flavor Tip: Toasting Cloves Before Use

Dry-toasting whole cloves for 30–60 seconds over medium heat deepens their aroma. Grind them immediately after for the most intense flavor in spice rubs and marinades.

Specialty Uses for Cloves in Drinks & Festive Cooking

Cloves shine in beverages and holiday recipes:

• Mulled wine and cider – Whole cloves add warmth and spice.
  
  
• Chai tea – Combined with cardamom, cinnamon, and black tea leaves.
  
  
• Clove-studded citrus – Both decorative and aromatic for festive gatherings.
  
  

Pro tip: For a clove-studded orange, press whole cloves into the skin in a pattern. The scent will perfume the air and infuse the fruit for flavoring drinks or desserts.

FAQs About Buying, Storing, and Cooking with Cloves

How can I tell if cloves are fresh?

Fresh cloves have a strong aroma, deep color, and will float vertically or sink in water.

What’s the difference between whole and ground cloves in cooking?

Whole cloves infuse flavor slowly, while ground cloves disperse instantly for even flavor in baked goods and spice mixes.

Can I store cloves in plastic containers?

Only if they’re airtight and thick enough to block air and moisture. Glass or metal is preferable.

How long do cloves keep their flavor?

Whole cloves last up to 3 years; ground cloves are best within 1–2 years.

Do cloves go bad?

They won’t spoil in the traditional sense, but they lose flavor over time. Replace when aroma is faint.

Final Flavor Tip from The Spice Way

At The Spice Way, we’ve seen how much better a dish can be when the spices are fresh and properly stored. Cloves may be small, but their flavor is mighty. Keep them airtight, away from light and heat, and use them in both sweet and savory creations to get the most from every bud.

Browse our fresh, aromatic cloves — both whole and ground — and bring their warm, bold flavor into your kitchen today.