Cloves are the dried, unopened flower buds of Syzyium aromaticum. They have been used as a spice for thousands of years. Eugenol is the essential oil that gives them their unique flavour which is appreciated in virtually all parts of the world. They are used in both sweet and savoury dishes in the Middle East, North Africa, India, China, and Southeast Asia.
In Europe and North America they are often included in pickling mixtures, spiced breads, and ham dishes. In India they are one of the basic ingredients of garam masala. While in China they are essential to the five-spice mixture. In France tis spice is one of the four spices in quatre epices (along with black pepper, nutmeg, and dried ginger). In Indonesia they are mixed with tobacco and made into the aromatic kretek cigarettes. Ground cloves lose their flavour quickly, so buy in small quantities. Alternatively purchase whole cloves which will retain their flavour for at least a year.