The taste is fine, spicy-sweet, astringent, and very aromatic, and the smell of cloves is warm, aromatic, and spicy.
Cloves can replace salt and quench thirst. They are used in pastries, sauces, certain soups, some types of cakes, mulled wine, or tea. They can be used to flavor rice in a more special way. When using them in cooking, cloves combine well with nutmeg and cinnamon.
They are often used in drinks such as teas, mulled wine, or various cocktails.