To Buy:
Buy dried, whole or ground from a specialised spice store or a store where you are assured of a high turnover of product.
To Store:
Store in an airtight container in the pantry. Whole cloves, stored properly, will last for many years. Ground cloves are at their best for about 15 months after purchase.
Tips & Tricks:
Cloves traditionally marry with apples, but can be used in small quantities in sweet spice mixes and curries. To rid the house of an unpleasant smell lay a couple of cloves on the electric ring of the hotplate and turn the rings to a low heat. This won't work with gas, of course. Biting on a clove will release a numbing oil which can be used as temporary toothache relief.
Cooking Tips:
Cloves are delicious in sweet spice blends for fruit cakes, pickles, preserved meats and curries.