Garlic Uses and Processing Methods

Introduction

After harvesting and curing your garlic, the possibilities are endless. Fresh garlic can be used immediately, preserved in various ways, or processed into convenient forms. This guide covers the many ways to enjoy and store your garlic harvest.

Culinary Uses for Fresh Garlic

Raw Garlic

• Minced: Add to salad dressings, salsas, and dips
• Crushed: Rub on toasted bread for bruschetta
• Sliced: Infuse oils and vinegars
• Paste: Blend with oil for marinades and sauces

Tip: For maximum health benefits, crush garlic and let sit for 10 minutes before cooking. This activates beneficial compounds.

Cooked Garlic

• Sautéed: Cook briefly in oil for aromatic base
• Roasted: Mellow, sweet, spreadable garlic
• Caramelized: Low and slow for complex sweetness
• Fried: Crispy garlic chips for garnish

Roasted Garlic

Roasting transforms garlic into a soft, sweet, spreadable paste.

How to Roast Garlic:

1. Cut 1/4 inch off the top of a whole bulb, exposing cloves.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap in foil.
3. Roast at 400°F for 35-45 minutes until soft and golden.
4. Squeeze cloves from skins.

Uses: Spread on bread, add to mashed potatoes, mix into pasta sauce, blend into hummus.

Storage: Refrigerate in oil for up to 1 week, or freeze for 3 months.

Preservation Methods

Garlic Powder

Homemade garlic powder far exceeds store-bought.

1. Slice garlic cloves thinly (1/8 inch).
2. Dehydrate at 115-125°F until completely crisp (8-12 hours).
3. Grind in spice grinder or blender until powdered.
4. Store in airtight container away from heat and light.

Yield: 1 lb fresh garlic = approximately 3 oz powder

Conversion: 1/8 tsp powder = 1 clove fresh garlic

Garlic Salt

1. Mix 1 part garlic powder with 3 parts fine sea salt.
2. Store in airtight container.

Dehydrated Garlic Slices/Chips

1. Slice garlic thinly.
2. Dehydrate at 125°F until crisp.
3. Store in airtight container.
4. Rehydrate in warm water or add directly to soups and stews.

Garlic in Oil

CAUTION: Garlic in oil can harbor botulism if improperly stored. Follow these guidelines:

• Store in refrigerator ONLY—never at room temperature.
• Use within 1 week.
• For longer storage, add acid (vinegar or lemon juice) or freeze.

Garlic in Vinegar

1. Peel garlic cloves.
2. Pack into sterilized jar.
3. Cover with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
4. Add salt and optional herbs.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 weeks before using.

Storage: Refrigerated for up to 4 months.

Frozen Garlic

Several methods work well:

• Whole cloves: Peel and freeze on baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bag.
• Minced: Mince garlic, mix with a little oil, and freeze in ice cube trays.
• Garlic paste: Blend peeled garlic with oil, freeze in thin sheet, and break off pieces as needed.

Note: Frozen garlic has softer texture when thawed—best for cooked applications.

Fermented Garlic

Black Garlic

Fermented at low heat for weeks, resulting in sweet, complex flavor.

1. Place whole, unpeeled bulbs in a rice cooker or slow cooker.
2. Keep on "warm" setting for 3-4 weeks.
3. Cloves will turn black, soft, and sweet.

Storage: Room temperature for months.

Honey Fermented Garlic

1. Peel garlic cloves and place in jar.
2. Cover completely with raw honey.
3. Leave at room temperature, burping daily for first week.
4. Ready in 1 month; improves with age.

Uses: Eat cloves directly, use honey in dressings, or drizzle on pizza and cheese.

Garlic Scapes

The curly flower stalks of hardneck garlic are a culinary treat.

Uses:

• Scape Pesto: Blend with nuts, cheese, and olive oil
• Grilled: Brush with oil and grill like asparagus
• Pickled: Preserve in vinegar brine
• Stir-fried: Add to any Asian-style dish
• Sautéed: Cook as a vegetable side dish

Medicinal Uses

Garlic has been used medicinally for thousands of years:

• Immune support: Raw garlic during cold season
• Fire cider: Traditional tonic with garlic, horseradish, and vinegar
• Garlic tea: Crushed garlic steeped in hot water with honey and lemon

Consult a healthcare provider for medicinal use, especially if on medications.

Storage Quick Reference