Cloves are a spice that is commonly used in cooking, particularly in Asian, African, and Middle Eastern cuisine. They are the dried flower buds of an evergreen tree native to Indonesia.

Cloves have a warm, sweet, and slightly bitter flavor and are often used in spice blends such as garam masala and Chinese five-spice. They are also used to flavor desserts such as fruit pies, cookies, and cakes.

Cloves are a good source of antioxidants and have been associated with several health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving digestion, and promoting oral health.

When using cloves in cooking, it is important to use them in moderation, as their flavor can be quite strong. They can be used whole or ground into a powder. Whole cloves can be added to stews and soups and can be used to flavor rice dishes. Ground cloves can be used in baking and can be added to spice blends. Cloves should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for best flavor.