Garlic…an essential ingredient for the kitchen!
by Julie Johnson, Tastemaker in Residence
photo by tijana-drndarski-unsplash
Garlic (/ˈɡärlik/) is one of the essential ingredients in my kitchen! It adds a robust flavor to just about any dinner and I’m not shy about using it in both the mild and spicy varieties of JJ’s Redhead Salsa. With National Garlic Day approaching on April 19th, it is a perfect time to recognize this hardy species of the onion family.
Aside from the booming flavor and the intense aroma released while cooking with garlic, I was interested in learning a little more about this herb also recognized for its health benefits. Here is what I found…
Garlic originated in central Asia. According to the Texas A & M horticulture website, Romans fed garlic to their laborers to make them strong and their soldiers to make them courageous. For some people, managing the smell of garlic may be enough to grant them strength and courage, right?!?!
Although a member of the onion family, garlic produces a small number of bulbs (cloves) rather than one large bulb like onions. There are two basic types of garlic: hard-necked garlic or soft-necked garlic (“Garlic production for”). Hard-necked garlic grows better in cooler, northern climates and soft-necked garlic grows better in more moderate southern climates. It was noted that garlic is easy to grow in a garden. If growing garlic interests any readers, simply google “growing garlic in the garden” and several websites provide easy instructions or step-by-step guides for growing garlic.
I do not grow garlic but generally buy minced garlic for use in my kitchen simply because it’s easy and eliminates the fuss of peeling/mincing fresh garlic cloves. However, for those interested in using only fresh garlic, it is recommended that you store garlic by breaking apart the bulbs, peeling each bulb, and storing in an airtight container.
Not sure how to incorporate garlic in your cooking? Use it to add flavor to sautéed vegetables, meats, marinades, sauces, salad dressings, soups, or stews.
Here is a favorite Teriyaki Sauce Recipe using garlic. Please note, I modified an original recipe found on cookingclassy.com. The original recipe called for soy sauce, brown sugar, and corn starch. I chose to substitute for “cleaner” ingredients such as coconut aminos, maple syrup, and tapioca starch.
References:
Aggie Horticulture. Onions and other pungent lilies. Retrieved on March 14, 2020, from https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/archives/parsons/publications/vegetabletravelers/onions.html
The University of Georgia Extension. Garlic production for the gardener. Retrieved March 14, 2020, from https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C854&title=Garlic%20Production%20for%20the%20Gardener