Availability and types of cloves
Cloves are the dried flower buds of an evergreen tree that originally grew on the small islands of the Indonesian Spice Islands (the Moluccas). Today, however, cloves are grown in several places around the world. If you see cloves in the supermarket, they are usually already dried — meaning the small, nail-like buds have been harvested and air-dried so they keep for a long time.
Where cloves grow
Cloves like warm, humid places with a lot of rain. That is why they grow in tropical countries. The main growing regions are:
Cloves like warm, humid places with a lot of rain. That is why they grow in tropical countries. The main growing regions are:
- Indonesia – especially the Moluccas and islands like Sulawesi are classic places of origin.
- Madagascar – a major source of cloves in the Indian Ocean.
- Tanzania and Zanzibar – known for good cloves in East Africa.
- India and Sri Lanka – cloves are also grown here, usually in southern regions.
You can think of it like apples: depending on the country they grew in, cloves can smell or taste slightly different — but they are all cloves.
Common varieties and forms
- Whole cloves (spice cloves) – these are the dried flower buds you recognize as small nails. They keep for a long time and are very fragrant. Whole cloves are like potatoes: they stay fresh for a long time and are versatile.
- Ground cloves – this is the powder made by grinding whole cloves. It distributes more easily in dough or sauces but loses its aroma faster. You can compare it to pre-ground coffee: freshly ground tastes and smells stronger.
- Clove oil (essential oil) – this is a very strong oil obtained from cloves. It smells very intense, almost like the heart of the clove. Essential oil is like a perfume of the plant: only a few drops are enough. It is often sold in small bottles and not used in large quantities for direct consumption.
- Clove water or extracts – liquid extracts offered in drop form. They are weaker than pure oil and are sometimes used for baked goods or beverages.
- Fresh cloves – very rare to find outside the growing countries. Fresh buds are juicy and even more aromatic, but they spoil quickly.
Where and how to get cloves
Cloves are easy to find in most supermarkets, well-stocked health food stores, spice shops and online. Whole cloves are usually available in small jars or bags; ground cloves often in tins or shakers. If you want as much flavor as possible, buy whole cloves and grind them shortly before use or add them whole to the dish and remove them later — it's like a tea bag in the pot.
Cloves are easy to find in most supermarkets, well-stocked health food stores, spice shops and online. Whole cloves are usually available in small jars or bags; ground cloves often in tins or shakers. If you want as much flavor as possible, buy whole cloves and grind them shortly before use or add them whole to the dish and remove them later — it's like a tea bag in the pot.
Storage and tip
Store cloves dry, dark and airtight. Whole cloves retain their aroma often for one to two years, ground ones only for a few months. If the cloves barely smell anymore, they have lost flavor — then better replace them. That way you'll always have good cloves for tea, cake or Christmas baking.
Store cloves dry, dark and airtight. Whole cloves retain their aroma often for one to two years, ground ones only for a few months. If the cloves barely smell anymore, they have lost flavor — then better replace them. That way you'll always have good cloves for tea, cake or Christmas baking.
