5 Things You Need To Know About Black Garlic

February 27, 2023 by 4P Foods

4P Foods is very excited to offer black garlic from Farmer D! This unique product is delicious and very time intensive to make.

#1 Black garlic is made from regular ol’ garlic.

Seriously, it’s not a special plant. It’s a special process. Regular ol’ garlic that we are all very familiar with goes through a process called Maillard reaction to create black garlic. This process is very time intensive and requires specific conditions.

#2 Black garlic goes through an extensive aging process.

To create black garlic, garlic bulbs are kept at a high humidity and low temperatures (anywhere from 140-190 degrees Fahrenheit) for weeks to allow enzymes to break down the components that give garlic its sharp flavor. These conditions bring about the chemical reaction known as the Maillard reaction that produces a black color, sticky texture, and deep flavor profiles.

#4 Black garlic tastes sweet and tangy.

The low and slow creation process gives black garlic the texture of a date with a slightly sweet, tangy flavor like balsamic vinegar. This sweet and tangy flavor pairs well with sharp cheddar and other cheeses with more pungent flavor profiles. Try adding black garlic to your charcuterie board for a unique and delicious item to spread on top of cheese and crackers.

#5 Black garlic has umami.

The aging process also brings out umami. This earthy flavor is great in salad dressings, sandwich spreads, marinades, and dipping sauces. Black garlic is also a great addition to some soups like tomato soup.

#6 Black garlic has more antioxidants than raw garlic.