Place sweet potatoes into a large pot and cover with salted water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until tender but not mushy, 18 to 20 minutes. Drain. Peel sweet potatoes and cut in half lengthwise. Discard skins.
Combine brown sugar, butter, orange juice, salt, and cloves in a large skillet or electric frying pan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until syrupy. Arrange potato halves in the syrup and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove cloves from syrup before serving, if you wish.