{"product_id":"organic-whole-cloves-premium-quality-all-natural-and-non-gmo-spice-for-cooking-seasoning-and-aromatherapy","title":"Organic Whole Cloves — USDA Certified, Non-GMO | Mulled Wine, Biryani \u0026 Spiced Tea","description":"\u003cp\u003eOur Organic Whole Cloves are hand-picked and sun-dried to preserve the dark, dense bud and the rich, warm essential oils locked inside — the oils that give cloves their extraordinary, unmistakable aroma. From a single pot of chai to a slow-simmered biryani, a mulled wine on a winter evening to a holiday ham glazed with brown sugar and spice — whole cloves are one of the most powerful, transformative ingredients in any kitchen. USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO, and gluten-free.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- ── CERT BADGES ── --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e✓ USDA Certified Organic\u003c\/strong\u003e  |  \u003cstrong\u003e✓ Non-GMO\u003c\/strong\u003e  |  \u003cstrong\u003e✓ Gluten-Free\u003c\/strong\u003e  |  \u003cstrong\u003e✓ Hand-Picked \u0026amp; Sun-Dried\u003c\/strong\u003e  |  \u003cstrong\u003e✓ No Additives or Fillers\u003c\/strong\u003e  |  \u003cstrong\u003e✓ Resealable Pouch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- ── EUGENOL — THE SCIENCE ── --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat makes cloves so potent — eugenol\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bold, warming, slightly numbing character of cloves comes from \u003cstrong\u003eeugenol\u003c\/strong\u003e, the primary aromatic compound that makes up 70–90% of clove essential oil. Eugenol is responsible for cloves' intense fragrance, their natural preservative properties, and their traditional use in natural wellness. It is also why a single clove can scent an entire pot of food — and why quality matters enormously. Low-quality or old cloves have diminished eugenol content and a flat, dusty flavor. Fresh, properly dried organic cloves have an almost electric intensity when broken open.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick quality test:\u003c\/strong\u003e Drop a whole clove into a glass of water. A fresh, high-eugenol clove will float vertically — bud end up. A stale clove will sink or float horizontally. It is a simple, reliable indicator of essential oil content.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- ── SOURCING ── --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSourcing and quality\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur whole cloves are sourced from \u003cstrong\u003eCeylon, Sri Lanka\u003c\/strong\u003e — one of the world's most storied spice-growing islands, where a warm, humid tropical climate and centuries of cultivation tradition produce clove buds with exceptional eugenol concentration and aroma depth. Clove buds are harvested by hand just before they open into flowers — the moment when eugenol content peaks — then sun-dried to a deep mahogany brown that signals proper curing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery batch is USDA Certified Organic under USDA Regulations 7 CFR Part 205, Certificate #0847519 (Texas Department of Agriculture). No synthetic pesticides, no irradiation, no fumigation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- ── HOW MANY TO USE ── --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow many whole cloves to use — a quick guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCloves are one of the most potent spices by volume — a little goes a very long way. Over-cloved food is one of the most common kitchen mistakes. Here is a practical reference:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBiryani or rice pilaf (serves 4–6):\u003c\/strong\u003e 3–5 whole cloves added to the oil at the start\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMulled wine or spiced cider (1 bottle \/ 1 quart):\u003c\/strong\u003e 6–8 whole cloves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChai (4 cups):\u003c\/strong\u003e 3–4 whole cloves, lightly crushed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHoliday ham glaze:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stud the scored fat with 1 clove per diamond — typically 20–30 cloves per ham\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCurry or stew (serves 4):\u003c\/strong\u003e 2–4 whole cloves added whole, removed before serving\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePickling brine (per 1-quart jar):\u003c\/strong\u003e 3–5 whole cloves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHomemade garam masala:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–10 cloves per batch (see our \u003ca href=\"\/products\/organic-garam-masala\"\u003eready-made Organic Garam Masala\u003c\/a\u003e if you prefer pre-blended)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e Always remove whole cloves before serving — they are generally not eaten directly as they are very intense and can be unpleasant to bite into.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- ── CULINARY USES ── --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCulinary uses — from everyday to holiday\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEveryday cooking:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIndian and South Asian cooking:\u003c\/strong\u003e Whole cloves are a foundational tempering spice — added to hot oil or ghee alongside cardamom, cinnamon, and bay leaf at the start of biryanis, pulaos, kormas, and dals. They form the aromatic backbone of countless dishes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChai and spiced tea:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lightly crush 3–4 cloves and add to your chai pot with cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon. Simmer in milk and water for 10 minutes. Try them with our \u003ca href=\"\/products\/organic-cardamom-powder\"\u003eOrganic Cardamom Powder\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/organic-ceylon-cinnamon-sticks\"\u003eOrganic Ceylon Cinnamon Sticks\u003c\/a\u003e for a complete chai spice base.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoups and stews:\u003c\/strong\u003e Add 2–3 whole cloves to slow-cooked broths, French onion soup, oxtail stew, or lentil soups. Remove before serving.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePickling brines:\u003c\/strong\u003e A classic ingredient in bread-and-butter pickles, spiced vinegar, and Indian achar. Pairs with mustard seeds, coriander, and bay leaf.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHoliday and seasonal baking:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMulled wine and spiced cider:\u003c\/strong\u003e The quintessential winter warming drink. Combine 6–8 whole cloves with cinnamon sticks, star anise, orange peel, and a bottle of red wine. Simmer gently for 20 minutes — do not boil.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChristmas glazed ham:\u003c\/strong\u003e Score the fat in a diamond pattern and stud each intersection with a whole clove before glazing with brown sugar, mustard, and pineapple juice. Roast as normal. The cloves perfume the meat and caramelize beautifully.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGingerbread, speculaas, and spiced cookies:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ground cloves are essential in gingerbread and Belgian speculaas spice. Grind 8–10 whole cloves in a spice grinder to make fresh ground cloves significantly more aromatic than pre-ground.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePumpkin spice blend:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cloves are a key component — combine ground cinnamon (3 parts), ginger (2 parts), nutmeg (1 part), and cloves (¼ part) for a classic pumpkin spice mix.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApple pie and fruit crumbles:\u003c\/strong\u003e Add 2–3 whole cloves to the filling while it simmers — remove before baking. They add a deep, warming note that enhances apple and pear flavors beautifully.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- ── WELLNESS AND AROMATHERAPY ── --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBeyond the kitchen — natural wellness and aromatherapy\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhole cloves have been used in traditional medicine systems — Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and European herbalism — for centuries, primarily for their eugenol content. Common non-culinary uses include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNatural potpourri:\u003c\/strong\u003e Combine whole cloves with orange peel, cinnamon sticks, dried rosemary, and star anise in a bowl for a naturally fragrant home scent — no synthetic air fresheners needed. Refresh with a few drops of clove essential oil as it fades.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSimmering pot:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fill a small saucepan with water, add 6–8 whole cloves, 2 cinnamon sticks, orange slices, and 1 tsp vanilla. Simmer on low heat — your home will smell like a holiday bakery.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNatural moth and insect deterrent:\u003c\/strong\u003e A traditional use — stud an orange with whole cloves and hang in a wardrobe, or place a small muslin bag of cloves in drawers and storage areas. Eugenol is a natural deterrent for many common household insects.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClove-infused oil (for massage and aromatherapy):\u003c\/strong\u003e Add 10–15 whole cloves to ¼ cup of a carrier oil (coconut or jojoba) and infuse over very low heat for 20–30 minutes. Cool, strain, and use as a warming massage oil. \u003cem\u003eAlways dilute — undiluted clove oil can irritate skin.\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThese statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- ── WHY SPICY ORGANIC ── --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Spicy Organic whole cloves\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Certified Organic, every batch:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cert #0847519, Texas Department of Agriculture. No synthetic pesticides, no fumigation, no irradiation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHand-picked buds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Harvested at peak eugenol content before the bud opens into a flower — the window when aroma and potency are highest.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSun-dried, not kiln-dried:\u003c\/strong\u003e Traditional sun-drying preserves essential oil integrity better than industrial kiln methods. The result is a deeper, more complex aroma.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNon-GMO and gluten-free:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100% pure clove buds with no additives, coatings, or flow agents.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eResealable stand-up pouch:\u003c\/strong\u003e Airtight seal keeps cloves fresh and aromatic between uses. Whole cloves release their essential oils slowly — keeping them sealed maximizes shelf life and potency.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePacked fresh in McKinney, Texas:\u003c\/strong\u003e Less transit time from packing to your kitchen than most competitors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e58+ verified customer reviews:\u003c\/strong\u003e Customers consistently note the intense, fresh aroma as the standout quality difference from grocery store alternatives.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- ── SIZES + CROSS-SELL ── --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAvailable sizes and related spices\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose your size:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e4 oz\u003c\/strong\u003e — ideal for occasional use, holiday baking, or first-time buyers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e8 oz\u003c\/strong\u003e — great for regular home cooks and chai drinkers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e16 oz\u003c\/strong\u003e — best value for heavy users, holiday entertaining, or pickling batches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCloves are almost never used alone — they shine in combination with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/organic-ceylon-cinnamon-sticks\"\u003eOrganic Ceylon Cinnamon Sticks\u003c\/a\u003e — for chai, mulled wine, and holiday spice blends\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/organic-green-cardamom-pods\"\u003eOrganic Green Cardamom Pods\u003c\/a\u003e — essential chai and biryani companion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/organic-garam-masala\"\u003eOrganic Garam Masala\u003c\/a\u003e — cloves are a key component of our ready-made blend\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeed bulk quantities for your restaurant, catering business, or spice blending operation? Visit our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/wholesale-customers\"\u003ewholesale page\u003c\/a\u003e for 5 lb to 44 lb pricing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- ── STORAGE ── --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eStorage and shelf life\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStore in a cool, dry place away from heat, light, and moisture. Keep the resealable pouch tightly sealed between uses. Whole cloves retain peak aroma and potency for \u003cstrong\u003e3–5 years\u003c\/strong\u003e when properly stored — one of the longest shelf lives of any whole spice, thanks to their naturally high eugenol content. Do not grind until ready to use: ground cloves lose their essential oils and flavor significantly faster than whole buds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFreshness test:\u003c\/strong\u003e A fresh whole clove dropped in water should float vertically, bud-end up. If it sinks or floats on its side, eugenol content has diminished.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- ── PRODUCT SPECS ── --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Syzygium aromaticum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Whole cloves, clove buds, laung (Hindi), lavang (Marathi)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ceylon, Sri Lanka\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eForm:\u003c\/strong\u003e Whole dried clove buds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary compound:\u003c\/strong\u003e Eugenol (70–90% of essential oil content)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlavor profile:\u003c\/strong\u003e Warm, bold, slightly sweet, intensely aromatic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCertifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e USDA Organic (Cert #0847519), Non-GMO, Gluten-Free\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePackaging:\u003c\/strong\u003e Resealable stand-up pouch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAvailable sizes:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCertifying body:\u003c\/strong\u003e Texas Department of Agriculture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePacked in:\u003c\/strong\u003e McKinney, Texas, USA\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShelf life:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3–5 years, properly stored\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- ── FAQ ── --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre whole cloves edible, or do I remove them before serving?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhole cloves are edible but generally not intended to be eaten directly — they are very intense and can be unpleasant to bite into. In most dishes (biryanis, stews, curries, mulled wine), they are added for flavoring during cooking and removed before serving. In pickling, they remain in the jar but are typically not eaten. Ground cloves are fully incorporated into food and eaten normally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the difference between whole cloves and ground cloves?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhole cloves retain their essential oils — primarily eugenol — far longer than ground cloves. They are used for flavoring during long cooking, pickling, and drinks where you want to remove them later, or in tempering. Ground cloves are used in baked goods, spice blends, and sauces where they are fully incorporated. You can grind whole cloves fresh in a spice grinder for ground cloves that are dramatically more aromatic than pre-ground.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow many whole cloves should I use in a recipe?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCloves are potent — use sparingly. General guidelines: 3–5 for biryani (serves 4–6), 6–8 for mulled wine (1 bottle), 3–4 for chai (4 cups), 2–4 for a curry or stew (serves 4). Always remove whole cloves before serving. Too many cloves will overpower every other flavor in the dish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I test if my whole cloves are fresh?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDrop a whole clove in a glass of water. Fresh, high-quality cloves rich in eugenol will float vertically — bud end pointing up. Stale or low-oil cloves will sink or float horizontally. You can also scratch the surface — fresh cloves release a burst of warm, sharp aroma immediately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I use whole cloves for potpourri or as a natural insect deterrent?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Whole cloves are a classic ingredient in dried potpourri blends and are used traditionally as a natural deterrent for moths and some other household insects, thanks to their eugenol content. Stud an orange with cloves and hang in a wardrobe, or place a small bag of cloves in storage areas. For a simmering pot, add 6–8 cloves to water with cinnamon sticks and orange peel and simmer on very low heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Spicy Organic whole cloves USDA certified organic?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Our whole cloves are USDA Certified Organic under Regulations 7 CFR Part 205, Certificate Number 0847519, issued by the Texas Department of Agriculture. Non-GMO, gluten-free, and free from synthetic pesticides, irradiation, and fumigation.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Spicy Organic","offers":[{"title":"4 OZ","offer_id":46813851451581,"sku":"SO-CLV-4OZ","price":10.48,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"8 OZ","offer_id":46813851484349,"sku":"SO-CLV-8OZ","price":15.48,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16 OZ","offer_id":46813851517117,"sku":"SO-CLV-16OZ","price":25.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0719\/8205\/5613\/files\/3_b81c56a3-02f2-4622-9af3-8ee0ab58712b.jpg?v=1780620355","url":"https:\/\/bhhec.org\/products\/organic-whole-cloves-premium-quality-all-natural-and-non-gmo-spice-for-cooking-seasoning-and-aromatherapy","provider":"Black Hills Health Retreat","version":"1.0","type":"link"}