Seasons/Availability
Black garlic is available year-round.
Selection
Choose bulbs with even coloring and no signs of mold.
Storage
Store black garlic in a cool, dry place for up to three months. Refrigeration is not recommended as it can cause the cloves to become soggy. Black garlic can also be frozen if it is wrapped airtight. It should keep for up to one year when frozen.
Preparation and Serving Suggestions
Unlike regular garlic, black garlic does not require peeling or chopping prior to cooking as the cloves are soft. It can be eaten raw, added to soups and stews, used as a rub for meats, or blended into sauces. For a sweet treat, try blending black garlic into a smoothie. Additionally, black garlic makes a great addition to stir-fries or grilled vegetables. Finally, it can be used to make delicious spreads for sandwiches and paninis.
Black garlic can also be used as an ingredient in dressings and marinades for meats or fish. Try using it with other flavors such as balsamic vinegar, honey, lemon juice, and herbs for an intense flavor. Additionally, black garlic can be added to batters when baking or deep frying foods like onion rings and vegetables. Finally, it is a great addition to dressings and sauces for salads, tacos, burritos, wraps, and rice bowls.
Nutritional Value
Black garlic has high levels of antioxidants which can help protect against heart disease, cancer, and other chronic illnesses. It also is a good source of vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and magnesium. Additionally, it contains amino acids which can help improve digestion while helping to reduce inflammation in the body. Finally, black garlic has anti-bacterial properties that can help fight off harmful bacteria in the gut.
