Cloves whole cloves are the unopened flower buds of the small evergreen tree syzygium maticum, belonging to myrtle family. These trees are native to the eastern indonesian islands known as the moluccas. Clove trading began with china in the 1st century ad. Centuries later, the voyages of marco polo, christopher columbus and vasco da gama all sought the origins and control of this precious spice. Cloves have a pungent, warm, camphor-like and faintly peppery aroma. Use whole cloves sparingly in pickling and in stewed or baked fruit. Also use as a garnish for glazed ham. ⓒ best befor