Cloves are the unopened flower buds of the clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum) which are harvested when they are immature then dried.
Though they have a strong flavor and should be used in small amounts so as to not overpower other flavors, cloves are a great addition to both sweet and savory dishes. They are often used in desserts like apple pie as well as pickling and mulling spice mixes, curries, rice, and in slow cooking broths and stews,

Cloves are an essential ingredient to many dishes, but use a light hand as its flavor can easily be overpowering. Also use caution when using cloves in a dish that is left to stand, as they produce sharpness in the flavor. Ground cloves are a key ingredient to Chinese Five Spice.They can also be added to beef and pork dishes. Cloves combine well with apples, fruit cakes, salads, sweet potatoes, squash and pot roasts.