Think of it as garlic's umami-packed cousin. It has a milder, sweeter, earthy flavour compared to that of raw garlic. The flavour of black garlic has the slight tang of tamarind or balsamic vinegar and a mild sweetness that resembles rich molasses and dates with the complexity and umami notes of soy sauce. The cloves are much softer than fresh garlic, and stickier. HOW DO I USE IT? It can be added
it to pastas, soups, pizza toppings or stir fries: use it as a spread; blend it into oils; mix it into dips, yogurt and sauces; mash it into aioli and butter or eat it with cheese and crackers. For the adventurous you can even make ice cream. The options are endless. HOW DO I STORE IT? It keeps best in the fridge after it has been opened. Store it in an airtight container, and add a paper towel to the container so it can soak up any water that the black garlic drips out. When unopened, it can easily be kept at room temperature. HEALTH BENEFITS
1. Contains more antioxidants
As a result of the fermentation process, black garlic contains more antioxidant compounds than raw garlic. Antioxidants have protective effects against cell damage and disease.
2. May help regulate blood sugar
Studies have shown black garlic may help regulate blood sugar, reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, and even prevent damage from uncontrolled diabetes. Scientists need to do more research on these effects in humans.
3. May reduce the risk of heart disease
Black garlic may help reduce certain markers of heart disease, like triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol. It may also increase HDL (good) cholesterol for some people.
4. Compounds in black garlic may protect brain health
Black garlic may contain compounds that help protect the brain from memory loss and degenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s. However, scientists need to do more research on these potential effects in humans.
5. May have anticancer properties
Several studies indicate a positive effect of black garlic in fighting cancer
Black garlic has shown stronger immune boosting, antioxidant, and anticancer activities than raw garlic in a number of cancer-related studies.
6. Black garlic may help protect your liver
Black garlic may have a preventive effect on the liver, protecting it from damage that can result from injury, everyday chemical exposure, or even chronic alcohol use.
