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.
