Cloves are the dried, unopened buds of a small evergreen tree. Whole cloves are bright reddish-brown in color, being darker in the stem area and lighter in the crown or head area. Their flavor is warm, pungent, spicy and sweet. Use to stud hams and other meats by simply piercing the exterior surface with the stem of the clove. Also good in meat marinades, gravies, soups, corned beef, spiced punches, wines and liqueurs.