7 Handy Clove Tips Everyone Should Know

Here are 7 handy clove tips everyone should know—practical, kitchen-smart, and surprisingly useful.

Whole = stronger, longer-lasting flavor
Whole cloves pack way more punch than ground. Use them in soups, rice, teas, or stews—and remove before serving.
Stick cloves into onions for instant depth
Push 2–3 cloves into a peeled onion and toss it into soups, stocks, or sauces. Classic trick, big flavor upgrade.
A little goes a long way
Cloves can overpower fast. Start with 1–2 cloves and adjust—especially in sweet dishes.
Cloves boost digestion
Steep 1–2 cloves in hot water for a simple tea that can help with bloating and digestion after heavy meals.
Natural mouth freshener
Chewing a single clove can freshen breath and help with mild tooth discomfort (old-school but effective).
Cloves + cinnamon = flavor magic
This combo works in desserts, chai, mulled drinks, and even savory dishes like rice or braised meats.
Store them right to keep the power
Keep whole cloves in an airtight container, away from heat and light. If they’re hard to pierce with a fingernail, they’re still fresh.

If a clove floats in water, it’s probably lost its oils—time to replace it.

Want tips for using cloves in desserts, health remedies, or spice blends next?