How to Make Garlic Powder

Fresh Garlic Cloves

Garlic is a great ingredient to keep on hand. It's also perishable, messy, and leaves your hands and cutting board smelling like....well, garlic. Sometimes that's not a problem.Other times, it's much easier to reach for the bottle of garlic powder. It works as well as fresh in many recipes and making your own is easy. Home made also tastes fresher and has more flavor, and you know how long it's been on the shelf.

Things You'll Need

• Several heads of fresh garlic
• Chef's knife
• Cutting board
• Air tight, lightproof containers
• Food dehydrator (optional)
• Old window screens or equivalent (optional)
• Cheesecloth (optional)
• Coffee grinder, food processor or other grinding implement

Instructions

1. Release cloves by pressing down on the top of the garlic head with the heel of your hand. Separate the cloves and discard the outer wrapping.

2. Slice off the stem ends of the cloves. Peel by placing the clove under the flat of your knife blade, then hit the knife firmly but gently with the bottom of your fist. Separate the cloves from their wrappers and discard the wrappers.

3. Slice the garlic cloves. Separate the slices as much as possible.

4. Place the garlic in as thin a layer as possible in your dehydrator or on your drying screens. If you are using screens, cover them with cheesecloth and place the screens in airy, shaded location. Stir the garlic on a regular basis to help it dry evenly.

5. The garlic is dry enough when it shatters easily if it is crushed. Remove the garlic from the trays and pulverize it thoroughly. A coffee grinder, spice mill or food processor works well. A blender will work, but you'll have to stir more and it's harder to remove the powder. A mortar and pestle is the traditional tool but it takes a lot more physical effort.

6. Place your garlic powder in airtight, lightproof containers and store in a cool place.

Tips & Warnings

• The thinner your slices, the faster your garlic will dry and the fresher the flavor will be.

• Try garlic powder instead of fresh garlic for dips and sauces.

• Rub your hands with lemon juice and rinse thoroughly to remove garlic odor. Do the same with your cutting board and knife.

• Drying time will vary depending upon conditions and equipment.

• Keep the slices separated as much as possible to minimize chances of spoiling.

• If your weather is very humid or rainy, dry your garlic indoors.

Resources

• Spice Tin - 4 oz - Stainless steel
• Cuisinart Mini-Prep Food Processor
• The Solar Food Dryer
• Nesco American Harvest 5-Tray Dehydrator