Garlic. It’s aromatic (that’s a nice word for stinky). It’s also flavorful and extremely healthy–it’s a super food. Almost everything we cook has garlic in it. If you are a garlic hater, let me try to change your mind about this smelly herb. Did you know that garlic has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial properties? Yep. It helps improve cardiovascular health, fights bacteria, viruses, and cancer. In addition to all those health benefits, it’s also a great source of vitamins and minerals such as B6, selenium, manganese, copper, and vitamin c.
Some people are intimidated by fresh garlic, and in talking to Sandra, she mentioned that she is one of those people. If you have ever been unsure of how to pick, store, and use garlic, we are here to help.
Garlic grows as a bulb underground. It is typically planted in the fall and harvested in the spring. You can usually find garlic bulbs near the onions in the store. When buying look for garlic that is firm, not shriveled up, moldy, or soft. Garlic should be stored in a dark cool place, and it will keep for about a month. Each bulb has segments called cloves. Most recipes use 1-2 cloves of garlic.
To separate and peel the cloves, pull a couple cloves off at the pointy end of the bulb. Then lay the cloves down and press them with the flat side of a knife. The skin will break apart and come off. The cloves can then be crushed or chopped.
Now if you use garlic a lot and you want a shortcut, you can actually buy garlic peeled and minced in jars. It is usually near the produce, and refrigerated. You can just scoop some out and that way there’s no muss or fuss.
If you haven’t been cooking with garlic, it’s time to rethink your priorities. We like to start most of our recipes off with the Holy Trinity of cooking: oil, garlic, and onion. These ingredients will add depth and flavor to everything from Italian, to Mexican, to Indian, Thai, Japanese, and more. In addition to making your food taste amazing, you garner all the health benefits of fresh herbs.
For a look at our 10 herbs we love to grow and use, check that out on our site.
The health benefits of Garlic – Super Food is a post from: Sawdust Girl.com All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2014.
