Green&Glowy

lets start from the basics and get very well versed with garlic which we use in our daily life. I have tried to cover some of the basic questions which comes up in one’s mind.

Garlic, with its strong smell and bold taste, is like a superhero in the kitchen. It goes beyond just cooking and adds a special touch to our food. In this blog post, let’s explore the different sides of garlic – from making tasty garlic confit to understanding the healthy facts that make this little bulb a super ingredient.

10 Garlic Nutritional Facts: More Than Just Yummy

Besides being tasty, garlic is also super healthy. It doesn’t have many calories, but it’s full of good stuff like vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese. People love garlic for its health benefits, like helping the immune system, supporting the heart, and being packed with antioxidants. Adding garlic to your meals not only makes them delicious but also gives your body a boost.

Allicin: The Secret Sauce

The magic in garlic that makes it healthy is called allicin. It’s a special thing that happens when you crush or chop garlic. Allicin fights off bad stuff in your body and helps keep you strong and healthy.

Cardiovascular Health

Scientists think that garlic can be good for your heart. It might help lower blood pressure, make your cholesterol levels better, and help your blood move around nicely. Eating garlic often might keep your heart healthy.

Immune System Boost

Garlic is like a superhero for your immune system. It fights off bad things like viruses and bacteria, which helps you not get sick. Eating garlic, especially when it’s cold or flu season, can be like having a shield for your body.

Antioxidant Richness

Antioxidants are like bodyguards inside you, and garlic is full of them. These bodyguards in garlic protect your cells from getting hurt. That’s why eating garlic is like giving your body extra protection.

Garlic and Cancer Prevention

Scientists are checking if garlic can help fight cancer. Garlic has things called organosulfur compounds, and these might stop cancer cells from growing. Eating garlic could help keep you safe from certain types of cancer.

Managing Blood Sugar Levels

For people who need to watch their sugar levels, garlic might help. Studies say that garlic can keep your sugar levels in check. So, if you eat garlic and have a balanced diet, it might help you stay healthy.

Garlic Side Effects and Precautions

While garlic is safe for most people, it’s important to be careful. Some people might have side effects, especially if they take certain medicines. It’s a good idea to talk to a doctor if you have any concerns.

Garlic as Medicine

People in the old days used garlic as medicine. They knew it could help with infections. Now, modern science agrees that garlic is a powerful tool against germs.

Garlic in Skincare

Garlic becomes an artist in the world of skincare. DIY treatments use garlic’s antioxidants for healthy and glowing skin. Allicin might be the secret to a beautiful complexion.

Tasty Ways to Eat Garlic

Eating garlic can be fun and delicious. You can put roasted garlic in yummy dishes or add raw garlic to salad dressings. There are so many tasty ways to enjoy garlic and get all its healthy benefits.

There are some more interesting things to know about Garlic besides just its nutritional benefits.

When to harvest garlic?

Knowing when to pick garlic is crucial for the best taste and storage. Pick garlic when the bottom leaves turn yellow, and the top leaves are still green. Carefully dig up the bulbs, making sure not to hurt them. Let the picked garlic sit in a cool, dry place for a few weeks before putting it away.

How to store garlic?

Storing garlic the right way keeps its great taste and freshness. Keep whole bulbs in a well-ventilated box in a cool, dry spot, away from sunlight. Don’t put garlic in the fridge because it might start to grow. Once you break garlic into cloves, use them within ten days for the best taste.

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Fun fact

There are actually more than 450 types of garlic in the world, and not all of them are used in food.

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How to mince garlic?

Chopping garlic is a basic skill every cook should know. First, peel the garlic and cut off the ends. Then, chop the garlic into small pieces. The smaller you chop it, the more even the garlic flavor will be in your dish. Chopping garlic lets out its yummy smells, making your food taste amazing.

How long does garlic last?

How long garlic lasts depends on how you store it. Whole bulbs can stay good for a few months when stored right. Once you break the cloves apart, use them within ten days for the best taste. Even if garlic starts to grow, you can still use it, but it might taste a bit milder.

One of the famous Garlic dish is Garlic confit. It is like a magic trick for garlic. It takes regular garlic and turns it into a delicious treat. This slow-cooked delicacy involves gently simmering garlic cloves in oil until they become tender, sweet, and infused with rich flavors.

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How to make Garlic Confit?

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, mastering the art of garlic confit can elevate your dishes to new heights. The result? A fantastic ingredient that can make your dishes, like spreads or pasta sauces, taste even better.

Start with fresh, high-quality garlic bulbs. Peel the cloves and leave them whole, ensuring a consistent cooking process.

Selecting the Right Oil

The choice of oil is crucial in garlic confit. Opt for a neutral oil like grapeseed or vegetable oil to let the garlic’s natural flavors shine. The oil also serves as a preservative, allowing you to store the garlic confit for an extended period.

Slow and Low: The Cooking Process

The magic of garlic confit lies in the slow and gentle cooking process. Simmer the garlic cloves in the chosen oil over low heat, infusing the oil with the essence of garlic. This process takes time, usually around 1-2 hours, as the cloves soften and caramelize.

Flavor Enhancements

Experiment with additional flavorings to enhance your garlic confit. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, along with a pinch of salt and pepper, can contribute depth and complexity to the final product. Some recipes even incorporate a splash of white wine for a nuanced flavor profile.

Various Culinary Applications

Once your garlic confit is ready, the culinary possibilities are endless. Spread the cloves on crusty bread, blend them into a creamy aioli, or toss them with pasta for a simple yet luxurious dish. The infused oil can be used in salad dressings or drizzled over roasted vegetables.

Storage Tips

Proper storage ensures that you can enjoy the fruits of your labor over time. Store the garlic confit in a clean, airtight jar, covering the cloves with the infused oil. Refrigerated, it can last for several weeks, allowing you to add a burst of flavor to various recipes.

Garlic Confit Variations

Get creative with garlic confit by experimenting with variations. Add sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist or introduce chili flakes for a subtle heat. The beauty of garlic confit lies in its adaptability to different culinary styles and preferences.

Beyond its standalone appeal, garlic confit can effortlessly elevate everyday dishes. Mix it into mashed potatoes, stir it into soups, or use it as a base for sauces. The sweet, mellow garlic flavor adds a gourmet touch to even the simplest meals.

In the end, Garlic is a super useful and essential ingredient in the kitchen. From making delightful garlic confit to mastering skills like chopping and picking, exploring all the cool things about garlic can make you a kitchen superhero. So, don’t hesitate – bring the magic of garlic into your kitchen and enjoy the goodness it brings to your meals.