Garlic
Garlic is a powerful culinary and medicinal ingredient, used for its bold flavor and health benefits. It’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and rich in antioxidants. Some say it also protects against vampires (unverified).
While fresh garlic contains some Vitamin C, the amount is negligible - use garlic primarily for its taste and medicinal properties. Whether fresh or powdered, it’s a kitchen essential.
Nutrition
Garlic is low in calories but packed with sulfur compounds, primarily allicin, which is responsible for its pungent aroma and health benefits. It supports:
Immune health
✓ Heart health
✓ Anti-inflammatory responses
✓ Allicin is most potent in raw garlic but diminishes when cooked.
Fresh Garlic vs. Garlic Powder
✓ Use fresh garlic when you want that sharp, strong garlic bite - perfect for sautés, dressings, and spreads.
✓ Use garlic powder when you want flavor without the intensity - it adds a slight sweetness and is great for quick dishes like veggie patties, soups, and sauces.
Garlic powder doesn’t cause bad breath and is an easy shortcut when you don’t have time to chop.
How to Peel Garlic
Peeling garlic is everyone’s least favorite task, but here’s the best way to do it:
- Separate the cloves.
- Use tweezers to peel each clove - starting from the base, pull the skin off one by one.
- Alternative method: Smash the clove with the flat side of a knife to loosen the skin.
Most garlic-peeling gadgets lie - this method works best.
Tip: To remove garlic odor from your hands, rub them over stainless steel (like a kitchen tap) or use a stainless steel soap bar.
Storage
Whole garlic bulbs: Store in a cool, dry place, not in the fridge. They last up to 3 months.
Peeled garlic cloves: Store in an airtight container lined with a paper towel in the fridge. They keep for up to a month.
Garlic powder: Keep in a sealed container in a dry place - it lasts several months.
Can You Freeze Garlic?
Yes! Chop or mince fresh garlic, mix with a little oil, and freeze in small portions (like in an ice cube tray). It won’t be as h2 as fresh, but it saves time.
What Do We Use?
At DAREBEETS, we always keep both fresh garlic and garlic powder. Fresh garlic is irreplaceable for bold flavors, but garlic powder is a quick, mess-free shortcut for seasoning and sauces.
