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Garlic

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Photo of several heads of garlic
Photo of several cloves of garlic
Photo of minced garlic
Photo credits (left to right): Photo credits (top to bottom): Flickr: Sebastian Mary; Flickr: conskeptical; Flickr: grongar

Foods Included

Domestic garlic, wild garlic

Description

Garlic is a head that grows underground and is a close relative of onions. Each head section called garlic clove. Garlic is used around the world in many types of cuisines. It adds a strong flavor to the dishes, either sauteed in oil, roasted vegetables, or added to a salad dressing.

Buy It

  • Buy garlic that is fluffy and has no broken skin.
  • Squeeze the garlic head gently between your fingers to make sure it feels firm and is not soft.
  • Avoid garlic that is soft, shriveled, moldy, or has begun to sprout.

Store It

  • Whole bulbs can stay fresh for 1 month.
  • Store fresh garlic in either an uncovered or a loosely covered container in a cool, dark place away from heat and sunlight. This helps maintain freshness and help prevent sprouting.
  • It is not necessary to refrigerate garlic.
  • Freezing reduces flavor and changes texture.

Cook It

  • To quickly peel a whole bulb of garlic, separate all cloves and put in a metal bowl. With a lid on, shake the bowl for about 1 minute. This should peel the skins off all of the cloves.
  • To peel a single clove, place the flat side of a chef knife on top of the clove and hit it a couple times with the heel of your hand.
  • Purée fresh garlic, canned garbanzo beans, tahini, olive oil and lemon juice to make quick and easy hummus dip.
  • Sauté steamed spinach, garlic, and fresh lemon juice.
  • Add garlic to sauces and soups.
  • Purée roasted garlic, cooked potatoes and olive oil together to make delicious garlic mashed potatoes. Season to taste.

Why It's Great

  • B Vitamins help our cells grow and stay healthy.
  • Vitamin C keeps our immune system strong and helps our bodies heal quickly.
  • Manganese helps to keep our bones and nervous system healthy.
  • Helps reduce inflammation in our bodies.

Try It

Broccoli with Garlic
8 mins
Photo of Broccoli with Garlic
Sautéed Spinach with Garlic
15 mins
Photo of the prepared recipe
Garlic and Basil Green Beans
20 mins
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Garlicky Roasted Vegetables
40 mins
Garlicky Roasted Vegetables
Tomato and Garlic Omelet
40 mins
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Chickpea Dip with Fresh Vegetables
15 mins
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