Cloves are remarkably versatile, enhancing everything from baked goods and broths to meat rubs and marinades. Globally, whole cloves play a foundational role in soups, stocks, sauces, and slow-simmered stews. They are used whole in traditional blends such as mulling and pickling spices, and ground into iconic mixtures like garam masala, Chinese five spice, and pumpkin pie spice. Beyond the kitchen, whole cloves are also used to stud fruit for pomanders or to garnish baked ham and onions, adding both aroma and visual appeal.