Organic Cloves in NZ: Whole vs Ground – Which Should You Choose?

Cloves are one of the most powerful and versatile spices in the world, prized for their warm, sweet, and slightly peppery flavour. In New Zealand, home cooks and foodies alike are rediscovering cloves in both traditional and modern recipes. At SpiceBloom, we offer two premium options: Organic Whole Cloves and Organic Ground Cloves, both packed fresh in small batches right here in NZ. But which one is right for you?

Organic Whole Cloves

Whole cloves are the dried flower buds of the clove tree, picked and carefully dried to preserve their natural oils. They’re ideal when you want a slow infusion of flavour:

• Stud a Christmas ham with whole cloves before glazing — a Kiwi holiday tradition.
• Infuse curries, stews, and rice with 2–3 cloves for a deep, aromatic base.
• Preserve and pickle vegetables with whole cloves for an extra layer of warmth.
• Mulled cider or wine with whole cloves for cosy winter evenings.

👉 Shop here: Organic Whole Cloves – SpiceBloom NZ

Organic Ground Cloves

Ground cloves are made by finely milling the dried buds into a potent, aromatic powder. This form is perfect when you want quick, even distribution of flavour in your dish:

• Baking: A must-have for fruit cakes, gingerbread, hot cross buns, and spiced biscuits.
• Blends: Use in pumpkin spice mix, masala blends, or BBQ rubs.
• Tea & lattes: Stir a pinch into chai or golden milk for a warming boost.
• Quick cooking: Add directly into marinades, sauces, or smoothies for convenience.

👉 Shop here: Organic Ground Cloves – SpiceBloom NZ

Whole vs Ground: Which is Better?

The answer depends on how you cook:

• Choose whole cloves if you enjoy slow cooking, festive ham, mulled drinks, or pickling.
• Choose ground cloves if you bake often, love spice blends, or prefer convenience.
• Keep both in your pantry for maximum versatility — whole cloves for depth, ground cloves for speed.

Why SpiceBloom?

Our cloves are certified organic, carefully sourced, and packed fresh in New Zealand every week. This means stronger aroma, better flavour, and longer shelf life compared to bulk supermarket options. Whether you buy them whole or ground, you’re guaranteed freshness and quality that elevate your cooking.

Final Thoughts

Cloves are more than just a spice — they’re a staple of Kiwi kitchens, from festive celebrations to everyday meals. Whether you prefer the traditional punch of whole cloves or the convenience of ground cloves, SpiceBloom delivers only the freshest, organic options — straight to your doorstep in NZ.