Spice | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Paleo

Ground Cloves

Syzygium aromaticum Allergen-Free
ground cloves

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Myrtaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Southeast Asian
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Clove Tree Buds

The Forktionary Angle

"The Pungent Powerhouse: Master the art of balancing ground cloves' intense flavor to elevate both sweet and savory creations."

Definition

A potent, aromatic spice made from the dried flower buds of the clove tree, characterized by its warm, sweet, and pungent flavor.

Sensory Profile

TasteWarm,Sweet,Pungent
TextureFine,Powdery
AromaStrong,Sweet,Spicy
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Main Aromatic Compound

Eugenol (up to 90%)

Potency Ratio (Whole:Ground)

1 whole clove ≈ 1/4 tsp ground

Shelf Life (Ground)

6-12 months (retains flavor)

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 tsp (2g)
Calories323 kcal
Total Fat13 g
Saturated Fat4 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein6 g
Total Carbohydrate65 g
Dietary Fiber27 g
Total Sugars2 g
Calcium646 mg
Iron8.9 mg
Potassium1020 mg

Chef’s Secret

Due to its intense flavor, use ground cloves sparingly. It's best added early in cooking to allow its flavor to meld without overpowering the dish.

Substitutions

Best Match

Allspice (ground)

1:1

Offers a similar warm, sweet, and slightly peppery flavor profile, a direct substitute.

Nutmeg (ground)

1:1

Provides warmth and sweetness, though less pungent than cloves, good for baking.

Cinnamon (ground)

1:1

Shares warm, sweet notes, but lacks the distinct spice and pungency of cloves.

Apple Pie Spice

1:1

A blend that often includes cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg, suitable for sweet recipes.

Buying Guide

Buy small quantities as ground spices lose potency quickly; store in an airtight container away from light and heat.

Flavor Pairings

Baked goods (pies cookies) Curries Stews Pickling spices Mulled wine Ham glazes Pork

Recipes Using Ground Cloves

4 Hours Or Less Kid Friendly Easy Course

No Egg Tomato Soup Cake

This surprisingly delicious cake has been a family secret for over 50 years, and it's guaranteed to impress! Unlike most tomato soup cakes, this recipe skips the eggs, making it a simple yet elegant dessert. Baked in a loaf pan and topped with your choice of creamy cream cheese frosting or classic white icing, it's the perfect addition to any gathering. Get ready to wow your friends and family with this easy-to-make, unforgettable treat!

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Desserts Preparation Course European

1995 1St Place Swedish Spice Cookies

Award-winning recipe! These Swedish spice cookies won first place in the 1995 Chicago Tribune Holiday Cookie Contest. Get ready to impress with these melt-in-your-mouth delights, perfectly spiced and delicately sweet. A treasured family recipe, perfect for holiday baking or any special occasion.

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Preparation Lasagna Pasta Main Dish

5 Way Lasagna Cincinnati Lasagna

Experience the iconic flavors of Cincinnati chili in this unique lasagna twist! This recipe, adapted from a Newport News Daily Press article, layers hearty beef chili, creamy beans, and melted cheese between perfectly cooked noodles for a comforting and unforgettable meal. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Independence Day 60 Minutes Or Less Cuisine Pork Chops

Adobe Grilled Pork Chops

Savor the explosion of Southwestern flavors with these Adobe Grilled Pork Chops! This recipe lets you control the heat – from mild to fiery – using your favorite amount of cayenne pepper. Tender, juicy pork chops are marinated in a vibrant adobe paste, then grilled to perfection and basted for irresistible flavor. A quick and easy weeknight meal that's guaranteed to impress!

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Midwestern 4 Hours Or Less Novelty Dietary

Almost Authentic Cincinnati Chili

Satisfy your Cincinnati chili cravings with this adaptable recipe! Inspired by Skyline Chili (but don't tell Nick, he prefers Goldstar!), this version is close enough to home to ease those withdrawal pangs. We've tweaked it for deliciousness, making it perfect for pasta topping and customization. Get ready for a flavorful journey!

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Course Chocolate 15 Minutes Or Less Beverages

Annacia's Spice Islands Hot Chocolate Lighter

Indulge in a guilt-free twist on classic hot chocolate! This lighter version of the beloved Spice Islands Hot Chocolate maintains the rich, warm flavors you crave, but with significantly fewer calories and fat. Perfect for those watching their weight or managing diabetes, this recipe uses skim milk and nonfat powdered milk to create a delicious and satisfying treat. Inspired by recipe #188721, this adaptation expertly captures the original's essence while making it a healthier choice. Enjoy the comforting warmth of spices and a hint of chocolate without the compromise!

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Dinner Party Cakes Northeastern United States Preparation

Apple Bourbon Cake

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of autumn with this irresistible Apple Bourbon Cake! Inspired by New York's apple country and perfected by its apple growers, this recipe is a Thanksgiving must-have. Enjoy the perfect blend of sweet apples, rich bourbon, and warm spices. This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferred sweetness level. Prepare to be amazed!

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Apples Easy Beginner Cook 3 Steps Or Less

Apple Butter Bread Machine

Bake the most comforting, delicious apple butter bread effortlessly in your bread machine! This recipe, adapted from a classic Betty Crocker source, delivers moist, flavorful bread bursting with warm apple butter goodness. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack.

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Healthy Preparation Apples Oven

Apple Butter And Pork Tenderloin

This incredible Apple Butter Glazed Pork Tenderloin recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Juicy, tender pork tenderloin gets a sweet and savory boost from a luscious apple butter glaze. The delightful aroma while cooking will have everyone eager for a taste. Perfect for a special occasion or weeknight dinner, this recipe pairs beautifully with our Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole (recipe to follow!). Prepare to be amazed by the flavor!

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Apples Thanksgiving Preparation Low In Something

Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie

This Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie recipe is a game-changer! Combining the warmth of pumpkin pie with the sweet tang of apple butter creates a flavor sensation you won't believe. A friend shared this incredible recipe, and we're so excited to share it with you. Get ready for a fall dessert that's both comforting and surprisingly sophisticated. Perfect for Thanksgiving, autumn gatherings, or any time you crave a delicious and unique pie.

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Snacks Picnic Snacks Lunch

Apple Pie Stuffed Soft Pretzels With Streusel

Get ready for a taste sensation! These Apple Pie Stuffed Soft Pretzels with Streusel are a delightful twist on classic comfort food. Inspired by two beloved recipes (#45567 and #48766), this recipe combines the chewy goodness of soft pretzels with the warm, comforting flavors of apple pie and crunchy streusel topping. While it may seem involved, each step is surprisingly simple and many can be prepped ahead, making it perfect for a weekend baking project. The tart Granny Smith apples provide a fantastic balance, but feel free to experiment with your favorite variety for a sweeter pretzel. Pecans add a delightful crunch (optional!), but the amazing flavor shines through even without them. Prepare to be amazed!

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Healthy 60 Minutes Or Less Apples 5 Ingredients Or Less

Apple Spice Cake

Indulge in this unbelievably moist and delicious Apple Spice Cake! Easy to make, this recipe delivers a warm, comforting treat perfect for any occasion. Featuring the perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and apples, this cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get baking today!

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Desserts Main Ingredient Dietary Fall

Applesauce Molasses Cake Low Fat Dairy Free Gluten Free

Indulge in this moist and delicious spice cake, perfect for any occasion! This low-fat, dairy-free, and gluten-free recipe is surprisingly easy to make. The rich molasses flavor is beautifully balanced with sweet applesauce, creating a tender crumb that will delight your taste buds. We use a gluten-free flour blend for optimal texture; ensure your blend contains xanthan gum or guar gum for best results. Kosher Pareve.

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Cuisine Equipment 4 Hours Or Less Time To Make

Applesauce Topped Pork Loin Roast

This incredibly juicy and flavorful pork loin roast is elevated with a homemade applesauce topping that creates the most delicious, subtly sweet gravy. A perfect Sunday dinner recipe guaranteed to impress! Easy to follow instructions and a short prep time make this a weeknight winner too.

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Low Carb Time To Make Meat High In Something

Awesome Baked Ham

This unbelievably easy baked ham recipe requires minimal ingredients you likely already have! A family favorite passed down through generations, this recipe is guaranteed to impress even the pickiest ham-haters. Its simple yet incredible glaze makes the ham unbelievably juicy and flavorful. Get ready for rave reviews – this is the ham recipe that will become your go-to for holidays and gatherings!

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Easy 3 Steps Or Less Dietary Ham

Baked Ham In A Blanket

Unwrap holiday magic with this irresistible Baked Ham in a Blanket recipe! This recipe, a cherished family tradition, delivers a melt-in-your-mouth ham with a perfectly moist and flavorful crust. Remember the tantalizing aroma that filled your home during special occasions? Now you can recreate that unforgettable experience. The 'crack' of the savory blanket reveals a juicy, tender ham that's perfect for any celebration – from Thanksgiving and Christmas to birthdays and anniversaries. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this show-stopping dish!

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Equipment Meat Peaches Preparation

Baked Ham With Peach Glaze

Relive the nostalgic taste of Milwaukee's Sunday mornings with this incredible Baked Ham recipe! Inspired by a beloved bakery's baked ham, this recipe delivers a juicy, tender ham with a sweet and tangy peach glaze. Forget bland boiled ham – this baked version is a flavor explosion, perfect for a special occasion or a comforting Sunday supper. The simple yet elegant glaze complements the rich ham beautifully, creating a dish your family will adore.

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Gifts Course Novelty High Calcium

Baking Spice Copycat Pampered Chef Cinnamon Plus Mix

Upgrade your baking with this incredible copycat recipe of Pampered Chef's Cinnamon Plus Mix! Say goodbye to plain cinnamon and hello to a warm, inviting blend of spices that will transform your favorite treats. This versatile mix is perfect for cinnamon rolls, toast, quick breads, and more. Easy to make and store, it's a must-have for any baking enthusiast!

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