Cloves are the aromatic unopened flower buds of a small evergreen tree native to the Moluccas (Indonesia). Cloves are essential in garam masala and appear in many curry powder recipes. In Indian cuisine, it lends a hand to chutneys and many pickle dishes. It has also become a major ingredient in many rice recipes such as pullo and biryani. Cloves have an assertive, dark aroma that is warm and rich.