Did you know ?
- 1 A garlic bulb is made up of individual cloves.
- 2 Garlic is a member of the Allium family, alongside onions and leeks.
- 3 Dry, cured garlic stores much longer than fresh green garlic.
Garlic
Garlic is the edible bulb of Allium sativum. Its cloves have a pungent aroma and flavor that mellow with cooking, and it is used in cuisines around the world.
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Nutrition
Detailed nutritional values of garlic bulbs
Section titled “Detailed nutritional values of ”Values of 100g of raw garlic:
| Calories | 149 kcal |
| Proteins | 6.4g |
| Carbohydrates | 33.1g |
| of which sugars | 1.0g |
| Fiber | 2.1g |
| Fats | 0.5g |
Vitamins and minerals
Main vitamins
Main minerals and trace elements
Nutritional values may vary depending on variety, ripeness, and growing conditions.
Ripeness
How to know if a garlic bulb is ripe ?
Section titled “How to know if is ripe ?”
Cured and ready
A cured bulb feels firm, has dry papery wrappers, and has a dry neck. Curing dries the outer layers for storage.
How to recognize this state :
- Firm bulb
- Dry papery wrappers
- Dry neck
- Cloves filling their skins
- No soft spots
Advice for ripe products
Keep sound cured garlic in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place.
Selection
How to choose garlic bulbs?
Section titled “How to choose ?”To choose quality garlic bulbs:
- Choose firm, heavy bulbs with dry, intact papery wrappers
- Avoid bulbs with soft spots, mold, moisture, or a sour smell
- Choose bulbs with tight cloves rather than loose or shriveled cloves
- Avoid actively sprouting bulbs when long storage is needed
- Use fresh green garlic promptly rather than storing it like cured garlic
Storage and ripening
How to store garlic bulbs?
Section titled “How to store ?”How to store garlic bulbs?
- Store whole cured bulbs in a cool, dry, dark, well-ventilated place.
- Keep bulbs loose or in a breathable container; avoid sealed plastic bags.
- Once cloves are separated, use them soon and refrigerate them in a covered container.
How to cure homegrown garlic?
Curing dries the outer layers before long-term storage.
- Cure harvested plants in a warm, dry, airy place for about three to four weeks.
- When the neck is dry, trim the roots and stem before storage.
Health
Nutrition and food uses of a garlic bulb
Section titled “Nutrition and food uses of ”- Provides vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese
- Supplies dietary fiber
- Naturally low in fat
- Adds strong flavor to cooked dishes
- Can be part of a varied diet
Origin
What is the origin of garlic bulbs?
Section titled “What is the origin of ?”Origins of garlic
Garlic has been cultivated for thousands of years and is now grown and used worldwide. Its long history in cooking reflects its distinctive flavor and its ability to keep after curing.
Regions of origin
- Central Asia
- Mediterranean region
Recipes
Cook with a garlic bulb at different stages
Section titled “Cook with at different stages”Unripe
- Green garlic stir-fry
- Fresh garlic pesto
- Grilled green garlic
Perfectly ripe
- Roasted garlic
- Garlic soup
- Garlic sautéed vegetables
Overripe
- Cooked dishes only if cloves are still sound
- Vegetable stock
Gallery
Garlic across the world
Section titled “Garlic across the world”There is no images yet. Submit one now to contribute to the gallery !
F.A.Q
Frequently asked questions
Section titled “Frequently asked questions”Warnings
Warnings and precautions for garlic bulbs
Section titled “Warnings and precautions for ”- Discard garlic that is moldy, slimy, foul-smelling, or extensively soft
- Keep garlic away from dogs and cats
- Store garlic-in-oil preparations safely and according to reliable food-safety guidance
- Raw garlic may cause digestive discomfort for some people