Clove is an intensely aromatic spice recognized for its distinct, warm, and sweet flavor. It is derived from the unopened flower buds of a tropical evergreen tree native to Indonesia. When dried, the buds resemble small nails with a dark brown, rough outer shell and tiny seeds inside. Used in whole, ground form, or as an essential oil, cloves are essential in diverse cuisines worldwide, from Indian curries to European baked goods. Their slightly astringent taste balances well with a variety of flavors in both sweet and savory dishes. Cloves are also touted for their antioxidant, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties, adding a measure of health appeal to their culinary application. Clove is a spice that you'd want to use sparingly because of its strong flavor, but it's perfect for providing warm and earthy notes to your favorite recipes.

Clove can typically be found in the spices and herbs section of a grocery store. They can be found either in whole or ground form. If your nearby grocery store has an international or ethnic foods aisle, particularly one with Asian or Indian goods, you might also find cloves there.