What is Black Garlic?
Black garlic is a type of garlic with a deep, rich flavor and aroma, which makes it ideal for use in dishes such as soups or stews. It’s also great for marinating meat.
The flavor is slightly sweet with a soft umami taste and it can be used as a condiment or seasoning much like regular garlic.
The process of making this fermented version of the product starts with fresh garlic cloves. The cloves are stacked in the black garlic fermenter.
You then set the temperature and time settings for the fermentation process to take place.
Once they have reached their desired state, they are then submerged into an iced brine solution to stop the fermentation process and preserve them until they are ready to be used.
What’s The Difference Between Black Garlic and Regular Garlic?
The difference between black garlic and regular garlic is that the latter has not been fermented, unlike its cousin.
Black garlic’s unique flavor profile comes from a process of fermentation that turns fresh bulbs into this dark-hued gem.
It is made by aging raw, whole bulbs of garlic in a process called “fermentation.”
This creates an umami-rich flavor with notes of balsamic vinegar.
Fermented foods have been shown to have certain health benefits over their non-fermented counterparts.
Black garlic has a sweeter taste than regular garlic. It can be used as an ingredient in recipes, such as sauces and pasta or eaten on its own.
For example, black garlic has been found to contain more antioxidants than its white counterpart.
Benefits of Black Garlic
Black garlic is a type of fermented garlic that has been aged in the ground for four to six months.
There are many benefits to black garlic – and all of them revolve around health.
It is said to have many health benefits, including improved digestion, reduced cholesterol levels, and higher antioxidant activity.
It has been called “the world’s healthiest condiment,” with benefits ranging from improved heart health to immune system support.
You can make black garlic using a black garlic fermenter.
Here are the eight most recent benefits that have been attributed to this garlic;
1. Heart Health
Black garlic is rich in polyphenols, which are plant-based compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
These substances may help regulate blood pressure and can reduce the risk of heart disease.
2. Immune System Support
Apart from being a great source of antioxidants, this garlic also contains allicin.
It is a compound that supports the immune system by fighting off bacteria and boosting the production of lymphocytes.
Allicin also helps counteract the effects of chronic inflammation.
3. Antioxidant Support
Black garlic contains potent antioxidants like quercetin and anthocyanins which can help protect your body against free radicals.
4. Digestive Support
This garlic is a great source of fiber, which can help regulate digestion and promote regularity.
5. Weight Management
Fiber also helps you feel full longer, so it may be helpful for those who struggle with weight loss.
Also, the high antioxidant levels make it an ideal food choice if you’re trying to maintain a healthy weight.
6. Increased Energy
Allicin supports the immune system and can help negate chronic inflammation, which might lead to an increase in your energy levels.
Moreover, anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants that have been linked with greater endurance during physical activity.
7. Lower Cholesterol
It contains allicin, which can help reduce levels of LDL or “bad” cholesterol in your body.
8. Improve sleep
This garlic is a powerful antioxidant and may provide the benefits of improved sleep that come with other antioxidants like vitamin C.
How to Use Black Garlic in Food
There are three main ways to use this ingredient in your food. They include;
Add it to Dressings or Sauces
Add a teaspoon of black garlic during the cooking process for dishes that require long simmering times, like soups and stews.
You can also add ½ tsp of minced raw cloves to salad dressings, pasta sauce dips, and even scrambled eggs!
Cook With It
Black garlic is great for cooking.
The flavor and texture work well with a wide variety of dishes. Add it to roasted vegetables, meatloaf, or scrambled eggs.
Add it as Garnish
When you’re serving salads, add ½ tsp minced raw cloves on top.
You can also dice up raw cloves and sprinkle them on top of a grilled or roasted turkey breast.
