You must have seen or used white garlic but have you ever seen garlic with vibrant purple skin? That’s purple garlic! A variety that boasts of bold flavour, intense aroma and of course, great health benefits. It has similar nutrients to regular garlic, including manganese, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. But the real star is the anthocyanin, the pigment that gives it its striking colour. Anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants that can help fight inflammation and boost your overall well-being. Is there any difference between regular garlic and purple garlic? What can purple garlic be used for? And how can it be stored? Keep reading
Differences Between White Garlic and Purple Garlic
Regular garlic and purple garlic have a few key differences:
- Color: The giveaway is in the name! Purple garlic has beautiful purple skin, while regular garlic has white or ivory-colored skin. However, the inner cloves are white or cream as the white color cloves.
- Flavor: It is known for having a milder flavor when fresh, sometimes described as slightly sweet. Regular garlic tends to pack a stronger punch. When cooked, the flavor difference becomes less pronounced, although some say the purple garlic taste lasts longer.
- Variety: It comes from a variety known as the hardneck garlic. It has a woody stalk that grows right at the center of the bulb. Regular garlic is simply a softneck variety that has no stalk in the center. While this might be a minor factor, it can have an impact on how the garlic is being stored. This is because purple garlic tends to have a shorter lifespan than white garlic.
- Availability: It can be hard to find like the white garlic that is everywhere. Purple garlic can sometimes be found at farmers’ markets or specialty stores.
How To Use Purple Garlic
It will not only add its vibrant color to your kitchen but also to your meals. Just like white garlic, it’s a versatile ingredient that should become a must-have in your kitchen. Here are different ways it can be enjoyed:
Mellow and Tasty: if you find the high flavor of white garlic overwhelming, purple garlic is a perfect option. Its milder nature especially when fresh adds a delightful touch to dishes without stealing the show. This is one gentle nudge of garlic goodness that is fit to take your meal to the next level.
Raw Appeal: It can be used raw because of its milder nature. Consider adding it to salad dressings, vinaigrettes, or even a zesty dipping sauce.
Roasting Goodness: Roasting your purple garlic brings out its natural sweetness which creates a creamy spreadable texture. You can roast it inside oil to create garlic-infused oil, or you can roast the garlic in the oven until it is slightly brown. When done, it can add its sweetness as a topping on bread or the garlic-infused oil as dips and sauces for an extra layer of extra.
Saute and Stir-Fry: Don’t underestimate purple garlic’s ability to add depth to cooked dishes. Sauteing or stir-frying it with vegetables, meats, or seafood unlocks its flavor, boosting the overall taste without overpowering other ingredients or veggies.
Marinades and Dressings: whether it is minced or crushed purple garlic, these awesome ingredients infuse it’s one of its kind flavor in marinades, dressings, and vinaigrettes. The fact that it won’t overwhelm your meal is a plus.
Pesto: Feeling adventurous? It can be a key ingredient in homemade pesto, pasta sauces, and salsas, adding a unique flavor.
How To Store Purple Garlic
It tends not to last as it white counterparts. Because it is a hardneck variety, it doesn’t store quite as long. That is why we have put together these tips to help keep your purple garlic fresh and flavorful.
- Keep it Cool: It doesn’t thrive well in high temperatures, therefore, avoid storing it near your oven or stovetop. Opt for a cool, dark area in your pantry or cupboard. Room temperature (around 60°F) is ideal.
- Put in a Good Ventilated Area: Garlic needs air circulation to prevent moisture build-up and spoilage. Don’t store it in an airtight container. Instead, place it in a breathable basket, mesh bag, or even a paper bag with holes punched in it.
- Skip the Fridge: While this might be a good option, the cold and damp environment of the refrigerator can make it get spoiled. Stick to a cool, dry pantry for optimal storage.
- Separate When Needed: Only separate the cloves from the bulb when you’re ready to use them. Keeping the bulb intact helps the cloves stay fresh for longer.
Final Words
Next time when you hit the market, one kitchen staple you want to look out for is this colourful twist on a kitchen staple! It’s one of the best ways to elevate your meal and with these tips, your vibrant yet flavourful purple can last you for long.
Tags: purple garlicthe purple garlicwhite Garlic