Cloves are unopened flower buds from the Syzygium aromaticum tree, a tropical evergreen native to the Maluku Islands (Spice Islands) of Indonesia. The common name has roots in Latin; the word clavus means nail, a reference to their rounded heads and tapered stems.

Ground cloves are a common culinary spice for both sweet and savory dishes. It has a pungent aroma and a warming, slightly sweet and peppery taste.