ALL ABOUT BLACK GARLIC!
WHAT IS BLACK GARLIC?
You may have seen black garlic popping up at restaurants near you, in specialty cookbooks, or on popular cooking shows. But, what is black garlic?
The short answer is, black garlic is basically aged garlic. Okay, it’s a little more than aged garlic. Black garlic is garlic that has been aged under special, temperature and humidity controlled conditions over a period of 9 - 90 days.
The result of this fermentation process turns regular garlic cloves black and sticky. The cloves have a molasses quality to them.
The aging process doesn’t just change the color, taste, and texture of the garlic, it has the added benefit of almost doubling the level of antioxidants in the garlic! Black garlic doesn’t just taste amazing, it’s also good for you.
WHAT DOES BLACK GARLIC TASTE LIKE?
When garlic bulbs are aged, their enzymes (the same enzymes that give garlic it’s distinct flavor) breakdown. When aging is complete, the now black garlic has an umami flavor that’s much mellower than fresh or cooked garlic.
Think of the new taste as a mix of sweet and savory, with an almost jelly-like texture, and soft garlicy undertones. The scent is similar to coffee grounds, but without the strong bitterness.
HOW TO USE BLACK GARLIC?
Due to its unique taste and flavor profile, chefs, and adventurous home cooks, are experimenting with black garlic in the kitchen.
Black garlic is easy to incorporate into recipes that call for regular, fresh garlic. Its delicate flavor makes it a great addition to soups or sauteed vegetables. Rub it on chicken before roasting, or stuff the chicken cavity with it. You can also purée the cloves with some good olive oil and spread it over crusty bread. You could also try making black garlic butter. What a decadent way to add some pizazz to dinner!
Some other black garlic ideas:
- Add black garlic to a charcuterie board or with cheese and crackers.
- Blend black garlic with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and sea salt for an umami flavored marinade.
- Make hummus by mixing black garlic with chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and sea salt.
When you use black garlic, just remember that this type of garlic has a much more subtle flavor than fresh garlic, so you may need to increase the amount you use.
WHAT ARE SOME BENEFITS OF BLACK GARLIC?
Black garlic has been show to help regulate blood sugar levels. Black garlic also contains higher antioxidants than regular garlic. Black garlic has been shown to reduce triglycerides and cholesterol levels which is good for your heart. One study found that an antioxidant compound in black garlic could help limit the growth of cancer cells. Black garlic has also been shown to help with inflammation as well as liver health.
BLACK GARLIC NUTRITION
15 grams of peeled black garlic contains Calories: 40
Protein: 2 grams
Fat: 0 grams
Carbohydrates: 8 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Sugar: 4 grams
HOW TO STORE BLACK GARLIC
Because black garlic is aged, it stores well for months. Be sure to store the garlic in a cool, dry place, at room temperature, just as you would regular, fresh garlic.
To get the most out of your garlic, keep the bulbs in a place that allows for some air flow, rather than in an airtight container.
WHERE TO BUY BLACK GARLIC
It's important to find a vendor you trust. A lot of the black garlic for sale online comes from other countries that might not have the same attention to quality and cleanliness that US grown products have. Our black garlic is made with 100% US grown fresh garlic. Where to buy Black Garlic