You're probably already familiar with roots of basic spices, like cinnamon, turmeric, and oregano, but what exactly is clove? Clove is the dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, native to Indonesia. You can usually find it in the spice section, either in its whole or ground form, as well as located near the natural remedies and essential oils, in its oil form.

Clove's aromatic flavor adds a spicy warmth to both sweet and savory dishes. However, it should be used sparingly, as its potent flavor can overwhelm a dish. Also, note that if you are cooking with whole cloves, they should be removed before serving. Some of our favorite clove-filled recipes include chai-spiced energy balls and turmeric apple cider vinegar shots.