Madagascar Cloves

Stud a ham or an onion with whole cloves before baking, pressing them directly into the surface so they release flavor slowly as it cooks.

For mulled cider or wine: simmer a handful of cloves along with cinnamon sticks and orange peel, then strain before serving.

In pickling brine: add a few cloves directly to the jar, they'll continue to season the vegetables as they sit.

For baking: crush a few cloves just before use rather than adding them whole, whole cloves won't break down in a batter the way ground cloves do, and biting into one is unpleasant even though it's harmless.

Pablo's Coffee sources whole cloves from our Denver spice store in Lowry to bring warm, spiced notes to their seasonal and specialty drinks.

Shop all our Chef-Approved spices and blends.

Cloves are the unopened flower buds of the clove tree, a tropical evergreen that can live up to 100 years. They have a pungent aroma as well as a sweet and spicy flavor. Use caution when using whole cloves in a dish that's left to stand, since they produce more sharpness in the flavor over time.

Cloves as a species are native to the Molucca Islands, also known as the Spice Islands, though today they're grown commercially in several countries, including Madagascar, Indonesia, Brazil, and Zanzibar. These specific cloves are sourced from Madagascar.

Whole Madagascar Cloves FAQ

Are these cloves really from Madagascar?

These specific cloves are sourced from Madagascar. Cloves as a species originated in the Molucca Islands, but that's about where the plant comes from historically, not where this particular product is grown..

Should I use whole or ground cloves?

Whole cloves are the better choice for anything you'll remove before serving, mulling spices, pickling brines, a stew, or a ham you're studding for baking. Ground cloves are better for baking, where the spice needs to distribute evenly through a batter rather than being pulled back out.

Can I use whole cloves in baking?

Not directly. Whole cloves won't break down into a batter the way ground cloves will, and biting into one is unpleasant even though it's harmless. Crush them first with a mortar and pestle, or use Ground Madagascar Cloves instead.

How do you stud a ham with cloves?

Press whole cloves directly into the surface of the ham before baking, spacing them evenly across a scored pattern. As the ham cooks, the cloves release their flavor slowly into the surface and the glaze.

Do whole cloves need to be removed before serving?

In most cases, yes. If they've been simmered into a broth, mulled cider, or a sauce, strain them out before serving, since the whole clove stays tough and isn't meant to be eaten directly.

How long do whole cloves last compared to ground?

Whole cloves hold their essential oils much longer than ground cloves do, since grinding exposes more surface area to air. Stored in a cool, dark place, whole cloves can stay potent for a couple of years, while ground cloves fade noticeably faster.