Cloves are the young, unopened flower buds of a tropical tree. Initially pink when fresh, they transform into a rust-brown hue upon drying. Typically 12 – 16 mm (1/2” – 5/8”) in length, they resemble tiny nails, featuring a tapered stem (the word ‘clove’ translates to ‘nail’ in Spanish). The broader end of the clove represents the four-pointed flower bud. Cloves can be found in both whole and ground forms.