A Guide to Buying Whole Cloves: Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

Few spices in the world carry as much history, fragrance, and culinary power as cloves. These tiny, nail-shaped flower buds have been treasured for centuries, traveling across oceans, fueling trade wars, and finding their way into kitchens, medicine cabinets, and even rituals. Today, cloves are an essential pantry staple—especially if you enjoy cooking global cuisines, from Indian curries and Middle Eastern rice dishes to European mulled wine and holiday baking.

But if you’ve ever gone looking for whole cloves, you may have realized that buying them isn’t always straightforward. Should you get them online or in a local store? Which brands are best? How can you tell if what you’re buying is fresh, high-quality cloves instead of stale ones that have lost their punch?

This guide will cover everything you need to know about buying whole cloves. From understanding what they are and where they come from, to identifying quality, choosing the right brand, and making the most of them in your kitchen—we’ll walk through it all. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to buy the best whole cloves and use them with confidence.

What Are Cloves?

Cloves are the dried flower buds of the evergreen tree Syzygium aromaticum, which belongs to the myrtle family. These trees are native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia—historically known as the Spice Islands—but they are now cultivated in many tropical regions including Madagascar, India, Sri Lanka, and Zanzibar (Tanzania).

The name “clove” comes from the Latin word clavus, meaning nail, because the dried buds resemble small nails with a bulbous head and a slender stem.

When harvested, the buds are pink in color. They are handpicked just before they bloom, then dried until they turn deep brown. This drying process concentrates their oils, particularly eugenol, which gives cloves their characteristic pungent aroma and warm, slightly sweet flavor.

Historically, cloves were among the most expensive and sought-after spices in the world. They played a central role in the spice trade of the 16th and 17th centuries, particularly under Dutch and Portuguese colonial powers. At one point, cloves were worth more than gold by weight, and wars were fought to control their production.

Health Benefits of Cloves

Aside from their culinary uses, cloves have long been valued in traditional medicine. Both Ayurveda (Indian medicine) and Traditional Chinese Medicine have relied on cloves for thousands of years. Modern research has begun to back up many of these traditional uses.

1. Rich in Antioxidants

Cloves are loaded with antioxidants, particularly eugenol, which helps fight oxidative stress and may support overall cellular health.

2. Dental Health

One of the most famous uses of clove oil is as a natural pain reliever for toothaches. Eugenol has anesthetic and antiseptic properties, making cloves effective in oral care.

3. Digestive Aid

Cloves stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes, helping to reduce bloating and indigestion.

4. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Eugenol also works as an anti-inflammatory, which may help with conditions like arthritis and sore muscles.

5. Immune System Support

Cloves have antimicrobial properties, making them useful for fighting bacteria and boosting immunity.

These health benefits make cloves not just a flavoring agent, but also a spice worth having on hand for wellness.

Whole Cloves vs. Ground Cloves

When buying cloves, you’ll often have to choose between whole cloves and ground cloves. Both have their uses, but they’re not interchangeable in every situation.

• Whole Cloves:

  • Stronger, fresher aroma.

  • Retain oils longer (up to 2 years if stored properly).

  • Used in cooking methods where they can infuse slowly (e.g., stews, curries, mulled drinks).

• Ground Cloves:

  • Convenient for baking and spice blends.

  • Lose potency quickly (best used within 6 months).

  • Can overpower dishes if not measured carefully.

👉 If you want cloves for occasional use, buy whole cloves and grind them fresh when needed. You’ll get better flavor and longer shelf life.

How to Identify High-Quality Whole Cloves

Not all cloves are created equal. Here are a few tips to help you pick the best ones:

1. Appearance:

   • High-quality cloves are plump with an intact bud (the round head at the top).

   • Avoid cloves that look shriveled or broken.

2. Color:

   • Fresh cloves should be dark brown with a slight reddish tint.

   • Pale or ashy cloves are usually old.

3. Oily Sheen:

   • Fresh cloves should look slightly oily—this indicates they still contain essential oils.

4. Aroma:

   • Crush a clove gently between your fingers. It should release a strong, pungent fragrance.

5. The Float Test:

   • Drop a clove in water. If it sinks or floats vertically with the bud pointing up, it’s fresh and full of oils.

   • If it floats horizontally, it’s likely stale.

Where to Buy Whole Cloves

Whole cloves are widely available, but the quality and price can vary depending on where you shop.

1. Local Grocery Stores

• Many large supermarkets carry cloves in the spice aisle, usually from mainstream brands.

• Pros: Convenient.

• Cons: Often expensive for small jars, and not always the freshest.

2. Indian and Asian Grocery Stores

• These stores typically sell cloves in larger packs at lower prices.

• Pros: Fresher, more affordable.

• Cons: May not always be organic.

3. Online Marketplaces

• Websites like Amazon, iHerb, Walmart, and specialty spice shops sell whole cloves.

• Pros: Easy to compare brands, bulk buying options.

• Cons: Shipping costs and potential delays.

4. Direct from Growers or Specialty Importers

• Some companies source cloves directly from farmers in Indonesia, Zanzibar, or India.

• Pros: Highest quality, often fair-trade or organic.

• Cons: More expensive, limited availability.

Price Guide: What Should You Pay?

The price of whole cloves depends on origin, brand, and whether they are organic.

• Supermarket jars (20–30g): $4–$7

• Bulk online purchase (1 lb / ~450g): $20–$35

• Organic or premium cloves (per lb): $30–$50

If you cook often, buying in bulk is far more economical.

10 Best Whole Clove Brands

Here are ten trusted brands you can buy online or in stores:

1. Everest (India) – Popular in Indian kitchens, affordable and widely available.

2. MDH (India) – Known for freshness, especially in Indian grocery stores.

3. Catch (India) – A household brand with consistent quality.

4. Simply Organic (USA) – Organic, high-quality cloves with strong aroma.

5. Frontier Co-op (USA) – Bulk packaging, fair-trade and organic options.

6. Spicely Organics (USA) – Non-GMO, organic, and eco-friendly packaging.

7. Zanzibar Cloves (Tanzania) – Premium cloves directly from Zanzibar farmers.

8. McCormick (USA) – Widely available in supermarkets, reliable quality.

9. 24 Mantra Organic (India) – Organic-certified, good for health-conscious buyers.

10. Whole Spice (USA) – Specialty spice retailer with strong customer reviews.

Most of these brands are available on Amazon, Walmart, Indian grocery stores, or specialty online spice shops.

How to Store Whole Cloves

To maximize freshness and flavor:

• Store cloves in an airtight glass jar.

• Keep them in a cool, dark place away from sunlight.

• Avoid storing near the stove, as heat depletes oils.

• Whole cloves last up to 2 years, while ground cloves lose flavor in 6 months.

How to Use Whole Cloves in Cooking

Cloves are incredibly versatile. Here are some common (and creative) uses:

Indian Cuisine

• Added to biryani and pulao for fragrance.

• Used in garam masala blends.

• Simmered in curries and dals for depth.

European Cuisine

• Essential in mulled wine, cider, and Christmas baking.

• Studded into hams or onions for flavor.

• Used in gingerbread and spiced cakes.

Middle Eastern Cuisine

• Added to rice dishes, tagines, and meat stews.

Other Uses

• Toss into pickling brines.

• Add to tea or spiced syrups.

• Use in homemade chai masala.

DIY: How to Grind Your Own Cloves

If you want ground cloves, it’s best to grind them yourself:

1. Toast cloves lightly on a dry pan to release oils.

2. Grind in a spice grinder or mortar & pestle.

3. Store ground cloves in a small airtight container.

4. Use within 3–6 months for best flavor.

Cloves Beyond the Kitchen

Cloves aren’t just for food—they’ve been used in many other ways:

• Dental Relief: Chew on a clove or dab clove oil on a toothache.

• Natural Air Freshener: Simmer cloves with cinnamon sticks in water.

• Insect Repellent: Place cloves in sachets to repel moths.

• Aromatherapy: Clove essential oil is warming and stimulating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Cloves

1. Buying ground cloves only – They lose potency quickly.

2. Not checking freshness – Old cloves are weak and flavorless.

3. Buying too much without proper storage – Even whole cloves lose strength after 2 years.

4. Ignoring origin – Cloves from Indonesia and Zanzibar are usually the most aromatic.

Conclusion

Whole cloves are one of the world’s most versatile and valuable spices. With their rich aroma, historical significance, and health benefits, they deserve a place in every kitchen. When buying whole cloves, always look for freshness, choose trusted brands or direct growers, and store them properly to make the most of their flavor.

Whether you’re cooking biryani, brewing mulled wine, or just looking for a natural remedy for a toothache, cloves are your friend. Once you experience the difference fresh, high-quality whole cloves make, you’ll never go back to stale supermarket jars again.`