This article provides an overview of cloves, what they taste like, its availability, alternative names, and of course what other ingredients make for great cloves substitutes.
What are Cloves?
Cloves are the aromatic flower buds from a tree in the Myrtaceae family. They are native to the Maluki Islands in Indonesia, but now cultivated in various countries and used worldwide as a spice, flavoring or a fragrance. They are also used for medicinal purposes, especially in traditional Chinese medicine, where they are thought to work as a pain reliever and to fight infections.
What do Cloves taste like?
Cloves are an intensely aromatic spice that has a slight sweet and warm taste, which is counterbalanced by a subtle bitterness. They can be compared to the likes of cinnamon, nutmeg and all spice.
Are cloves readily available in Supermarkets?
Although not as popular as some spices such as cinnamon, cloves should be available in most major supermarkets. They should be located in the spices aisle, usually sold as whole or a ground powder.
What are some alternative names for Cloves?
There are no alternative names for cloves.
What is a good substitute for Cloves in recipes?
Luckily, there are a number of great substitutes for cloves. These include: