About Granulated Fresh Garlic

Garlic is a popular herb in the kitchen. Garlic can be used fresh, dried, juiced, minced or chopped. Fresh-grown garlic keeps a few weeks to a few months. For most kitchen use, granulated garlic is a better way to keep this versatile seasoning at hand. Granulated garlic is easy to buy and store. It is pure garlic an arm-length away.

History

Garlic has been used for food and medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians worshipped garlic, made clay images of garlic cloves for the tomb of King Tutankhamen and fed garlic to laborers who built the pyramids. Garlic was used by ancient Romans to treat dog bites, leprosy and asthma. Early Greek Olympic athletes used garlic to improve physical performance. During the Middle Ages, garlic was strung across doorways to combat plague.

Features

Granulated garlic is made from fresh garlic. Garlic bulbs are harvested, cleaned, chopped, dried and milled or ground to make the garlic granules. Granulated garlic has a texture more coarse and gold in color than many garlic powders. True granulated garlic is made from pure garlic and has no coloring or flavoring added. The small garlic granules have a stronger garlic flavor than garlic salt. By comparison, garlic salt is a table salt with ground garlic added for flavoring.

Function

Granulated garlic is widely used wherever fresh or whole garlic would be used. Because it is, or should be, pure garlic with no added ingredients, it is used to add garlic taste to cooked foods, fresh salads or garlic bread. One-quarter teaspoon of granulated garlic is equal to one clove of garlic. The garlic granules are dehydrated and are a garlic concentrate. The granules quickly dissolve to release the garlic flavor. They are sprinkled or measured directly into a recipe or onto food.

Benefits

Garlic users frequently keep a jar of granulated garlic in the kitchen because it requires no cutting, chopping or other preparation. It has been evenly milled or ground to provide uniform texture. Fresh garlic, by comparison, is not always in season and is subject to rot or mold if shipped or stored improperly. Fresh garlic must be used promptly. Granulated garlic is as handy as the spice shelf. It takes less space than fresh or dried garlic. Granulated garlic is usually dated for freshness and expiration and can have a shelf life up to 2 years.

Considerations

Garlic has a pervasive odor. The odor comes from sulfurous compounds in the bulb. Chopping fresh garlic may leave a strong odor on hands for days. Prepared garlic, such as granulated or powdered garlic, prevents this skin odor because it can be shaken directly onto food without chopping or peeling cloves.

Resources

• Spice Islands Garlic