There are more garlic options than the one variety in the produce section in your grocery store. Find out more about different types of garlic.
Different Types of Garlic
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At my grocery store, I have two options for fresh garlic: one bulb at a time, or a 1-pound package of smaller bulbs. Sometimes there’s some elephant garlic. I can always find jars of pre-minced garlic or garlic powder in the spice aisle. There are more varieties of garlic than just these!
Softneck Garlic
Softneck garlic is the most common type of garlic that you’ll find in the produce section of your grocery store. If that’s the only place you get your garlic, there’s a pretty good chance that softneck garlic is the only kind of garlic you know about. Softneck garlic does not have a central stem, and has multiple layers of cloves.
There are a few varieties of softneck garlic. The one most commonly sold in grocery stores is the Artichoke variety. If you’ve ever seen lots of heads of garlic braided together, that was probably the Silverskin variety.
Hardneck Garlic
Hardneck garlic has a woody stalk in the middle of the head. The cloves are formed in a single layer around the stalk, so hardneck garlic has fewer cloves than the softneck varieties. Hardneck garlic has a stronger flavor, sometimes described as spicy. There are a few varieties of hardneck garlic as well – Rocambole, Porcelain, and Purple Stripe.
Elephant Garlic
Elephant garlic is huge, much larger than softneck or hardneck garlic. But it’s not actually garlic at all! It is related, but is a member of the leek family. Elephant garlic has a much milder flavor than softneck garlic, and may even taste a bit onion-y. You can peel it, mince it, or roast it. Use it in cooking like you would use softneck garlic, but expect a milder flavor with a hint of onion.
Jarred Garlic
Garlic is also available pre-minced in jars, or pre-minced in a squeeze bottle. This is typically softneck garlic that has been minced and mixed with water. (The squeeze bottles have more water, so it’s easier to squeeze. The jarred kind has less water, and needs to be scooped out with a spoon.)
Typically 1 teaspoon of minced garlic can be substituted for 1 clove of fresh garlic, but check the label on your package to be sure. Minced garlic can be stored at room temperature until it is opened, but should be refrigerated after the packaging is open.
Garlic Powder
Garlic powder and garlic salt are commonly used seasonings. They are usually made from softneck garlic that has been ground and dehydrated. You can substitute 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for 1 clove of fresh garlic. Garlic powder does have a slightly different flavor than fresh garlic or roasted garlic. Because it is easy to mix with other spices or with wet ingredients, garlic powder is easily used in spice rubs or in sauces.
Do you cook with garlic? What kind do you usually buy?
Enjoy!
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