Cloves

Cloves are a spice made from the flower buds of an evergreen tree called, appropriately enough, the clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum).

Clove flower buds are harvested in their immature state and then dried. Whole cloves are shaped like a small, reddish-brown spike, usually around 1 centimetre in length, with a bulbous top.

Cloves can be used whole or ground, and they have a very strong, pungent flavour and aroma.