Garlic is a versatile ingredient that can be used in an array of recipes. It infuses amazing flavors that can tickle your tastebuds. The aromatic smell of garlic is enough to make your palate salivate. Garlic is prepared in so many ways. And how it’s prepared often depends on where you’re going to use them.
Crushed or minced garlic is bursting with flavors at the seams. The more it’s finely chopped, the more flavorful it becomes. But how much minced garlic is equal to a clove?
You might have prepared minced garlic beforehand or bought a bottle of minced garlic from the store. It can spell convenience to have minced garlic on hand. But what if the recipe calls for a clove, how much minced garlic do you need? Keep reading to find out.
What’s in a Garlic?
Garlic is a vegetable that’s packed with flavor and nutritional benefits. Garlic can be used to flavor stews and soups. This pungent vegetable can add interesting notes to vegetable and meat dishes. A lot of Asian recipes call for the use of a generous amount of garlic. And It can infuse up your pasta with interesting aromatic flavors.
Garlic is readily available in the grocery’s produce section. It’s available all year round. It’s also easy to store. Place garlic in an open container and keep it away from other food. Garlic can have a strong smell that’s why it’s often kept away from bread or any food that might capture its scent and smell. When kept properly, garlic can last for 3 months.
Minced garlic is often used in cooking. But not all have the extra time to chop and mince garlic for their pasts. That’s why stores have also been selling jarred minced garlic. But is it any better or does it taste the same? Let’s head to the next section below.
Is Jarred Minced Garlic Good
Because everything is made more convenient, even garlic can come in a pre-minced bottle. But is it okay to use it for our daily cooking?
- Jarred minced garlic has a more subtle and milder taste and flavor. That’s why more people prefer to use freshly minced garlic.
- The longer garlic is stored after it has been sliced and minced, the most likely they’ll lose flavor. That’s why jarred minced garlic taste has a milder taste.
- Store-bought jarred minced garlic can be convenient. But if you’re not careful, some bottles may contain a lot of oil, additives, and preservatives. That’s why it can stay in the fridge for longer.
- There is a level of nutritional loss in the processing of jarred minced garlic. And how much nutrient is lost is hard to calculate. But one thing’s for sure, their nutrient loss in jarred minced garlic.
How Much Minced Garlic Equals 1 Clove
Without a doubt, fresh garlic is always better. Freshly minced garlic has more flavor, more aroma and the nutrients are intact. It also does not have additional fats and preservatives.
Mincing garlic is also a better way to release all the flavor. But if the recipe calls for a clove of garlic and you have minced garlic on hand, how much should you use?
A clove of garlic is equivalent to 1/2 a tsp of minced garlic. It’s also useful to note that a clove of garlic is equivalent to a tsp of chopped garlic.
How to Mince Garlic
Since fresh is always better, here are ways on how you can easily mince garlic without needing to chop them.
- A cheese grater will come in very handy. Peel the garlic then grate it using a box grater.
- You may also use a food processor, this can be mince garlic in a jiffy.
- You can also use a fork. Press the tines of the fork against the clove of the garlic. This will help render the garlic into smaller minute pieces.
Health Benefits of Garlic
Aside from the umami and aromatic taste, here are more reasons why you should incorporate garlic into your cooking.
- Garlic is very low in calories but packed in nutrients. Moreover, it’s one of the foods that contain a little bit of all the nutrients that you need.
- It can boost the immune system. It’s high in vitamin C to help you fight off the common cold.
- It can help maintain a healthy blood pressure level.
- Garlic can lower bad cholesterol, thus preventing heart disease.
- It’s packed with antioxidants that can help stave off dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
How to Make your Own Jarred Minced Garlic
Freshly minced garlic is the best way to use this pungent vegetable. But sometimes time is not in your hands. So instead of buying jarred minced garlic in the store, you can make your own. This way, you’ll be sure that it’s free from preservatives and additives.
And you’ll also have minced garlic ready for cooking anytime!
- Prepare jars on where you will store the minced garlic. Wash then dry them properly.
- Peel the garlic using a food processor. If you washed the garlic beforehand, make sure to air dry them completely first.
- Add 1/ cup oil and a tbsp of salt to the food processor. Pulse them. If you want a more pasty consistency, pulse longer.
- Pour into the prepared jars.
- Top with a little more oil.
- Close the lid and seal properly. This will keep in the fridge for two weeks.
Ways to Add More Garlic to Your Food
You have been sauteing garlic for stews and meat dishes. But here are other ways on how you can add more garlic into your life.
1. Garlic tea
Consuming garlic tea is an easy way to take advantage of the nutrients that garlic has to offer. To make this healthy tonic, mash a clove of garlic and put it in a pan with water. Allow to boil. You may add 1/2 tsp of cinnamon. Let it cool down then add a few drops of lime juice and honey for flavoring.
2. Add to mashed potato
Add mashed garlic to potatoes, milk, and butter. This will add a surprising tangy kick to your usual side dish.
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3. Top in cooled pasta sauce
You might have been sauteing garlic for your sauces already. But here’s a refreshing way to add more garlic flavors to your pasta sauces. Mash garlic and sprinkle it over cooled pasta sauce. You’ll be able to enjoy more health benefits with raw garlic. Plus, it will give off more intense flavors.
4. Sprinkle on butter toast
Butter and garlic go well together. And garlic butter bread is such a treat. Toast bread and put butter on the pan. Then sprinkle minced garlic on top.
5. Mix it into your homemade hot sauce
If you’re preparing your house blend hot sauce, it’s a perfect opportunity to incorporate garlic. It will also intensify the flavors and add more kick and tang. In a blender, toss in mild sauce, peppers, olive oil, salt, a little vinegar, and garlic. You can use this homemade hot sauce for your guacamoles, chips, and enchiladas.
FAQ
Is it okay to eat raw garlic?
Eating raw garlic is actually the best way to consume garlic. Alisin, a compound that can help lower down blood pressure levels, is higher in raw than cooked garlic.
Can I substitute minced garlic for chopped garlic?
Yes, 1 tsp of chopped garlic is equivalent to 1/2 tsp minced garlic. And both are equivalent to a clove of garlic.
Is mince garlic better than chopped garlic?
The more you finely chop garlic, the more flavorful it is. So minced garlic will give off more flavor than chopped garlic. But of course, there are recipes that would specifically call for chopped, sliced, or even whole garlic.
Is jarred minced garlic okay to use?
Store-bought jarred minced garlic has more oil, additives, and preservatives. If you can make your own at home, it would be better.
Conclusion
Freshly minced garlic is the best way to add flavor and umami to your dishes. But we understand how you can be busy. That’s why you can make your own jarred minced garlic beforehand. This way, you’ll have minced garlic handy without having to buy from the store. And who knows how long that garlic has been bottled up! It might have lost most of its flavors already.
Eva M. Smith is the owner of this website. She is a 4 year old mother of two kids and a professional chef. Eva loves to cook for her family, but being a working mom has a lot of challenges. From squeezing in time to do the groceries to make three meals for the day. Eva knows how challenging cooking can be without a kitchen game plan.
That’s why she perfected techniques of preserving staple ingredients and several foods so that you have something pre-cooked or pre-baked to use for an array of meals. And they do not come short in flavor! And she does not want to sacrifice flavor with convenience. That’s why she is the best person to ask.