People stick cloves in ham for both flavor and decoration purposes. Here's why:

1. Flavor Enhancement: Cloves have a warm and aromatic flavor that complements the taste of ham. When cloves are inserted into the ham, their flavor infuses into the meat during the cooking process, adding a subtle spiciness and depth of flavor [1].

2. Aromatics: Cloves have a strong and distinctive aroma. By studding the ham with cloves, the aroma permeates the meat, creating a wonderful Christmasy scent that adds to the overall sensory experience of enjoying the ham [3].

3. Visual Appeal: The cloves also serve as a decorative element. When inserted into the ham in a pattern, such as a diamond pattern, they create an attractive presentation. The cloves add visual interest and make the ham look more festive and appealing [3].

To stick cloves in ham, you typically remove the skin from the ham and score the fat in a diamond pattern. Then, you insert whole cloves into the corners of each diamond. This allows the cloves to be evenly distributed and ensures that their flavor and aroma are infused throughout the ham [3].

Learn more:

1. Baked Ham Recipe - Allrecipes
2. Baked Ham With Cloves - Savvy Homebody
3. Easy Clove-Studded Christmas Glazed Ham - The Spice People