Clove stems are the dried flower stalks of Syzygium aromaticum, collected after the cloves (buds) are separated during processing. Naturally sun-dried to a deep brown color, clove stems retain a mild aromatic profile. They carry a similar aroma and flavor to cloves but at a much lower cost due to their reduced volatile oil content. They are commonly utilized in the production of clove oil and sometimes as a blending ingredient in ground clove products.

Once dried, clove stems can be further processed through distillation to extract clove stem oil, a cost-effective alternative to clove bud oil. This oil is widely used in the pharmaceutical, flavoring, and perfumery industries for its antiseptic and aromatic properties. In addition to oil extraction, clove stems are sometimes ground and blended into spice mixtures, providing a warm and spicy note similar to clove buds, though with lower potency.