Garlic
Storage: Garlic will keep for several weeks and should be stored at room temperature. Garlic has the potential to sprout, which diminishes its pungency and flavor. To prevent this, keep garlic in a cool, dark place away from sunlight and heat
Preparation: To easily peel garlic, separate the cloves from the bulb and place them on a cutting board. Lay the flat side of a broad knife on top of one clove at a time. Tap the knife with a closed fist. A fairly gentle impact is all that's required to split the peels without smashing the clove. A garlic press can be useful for minced garlic.
Taste: Pungent, spicy, powerful
Nutritional Benefits: Garlic contains more than 100 sulfur compounds, which may help promote healthy arteries and cholesterol levels. Allicin, the best known, is formed when cloves are crushed, chopped or chewed, releasing its characteristic scent and flavor
Garlic Scapes
Storage: Store in a sealed plastic bag, where they will keep for at least a week.
Preparation: Rinse under cold water and use as desired.
Taste: A touch more mild than garlic
Nutritional Benefits: Garlic has been linked to numerous health benefits including lowering cholesterol and blood pressure and preventing heart disease and various types of cancer.
Green Garlic
Storage: Store in a loose plastic bag and place in the refrigerator, where they will keep for 5-7 days.
Preparation: The entire plant is edible. It can be easily chopped or minced, and eaten raw or cooked.
Taste: A slightly milder and sweeter garlic, with an onion-like flavor.
Nutritional Benefits: Green garlic contains a substantial amount of vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium, zinc and allicin. It also helps to strengthen the immune system, lower cholesterol and protect heart health.
Head of Garlic
Storage: Store the entire head (aka the bulb) of garlic whole, in room temperature, and don’t break it apart. This method will keep it fresh for a few months. A broken head will only keep for about 3 to 10 days.
Preparation: Can be caramelized, roasted, or mashed. You can spread over bread or crackers for a delicious appetizer, puree into hummus or soup, or add to your favorite pasta dish.
Taste: Milder in flavor, compared to raw garlic.
Nutritional Benefits: Garlic is low in calories and rich in vitamin C and vitamin B6.