6 Unique Ways to Use Garlic from Your Garden

There are countless reasons to grow garlic in your garden and an abundance of recipes showcasing its versatility in the kitchen.

In this blog, we will delve into six unique ways to utilize garlic in its purest form, where garlic takes center stage and shines in all its flavorful glory.

Join us on this culinary adventure as we explore the wonderful world of garlic and discover new and creative ways to incorporate this aromatic ingredient into your cooking repertoire!

This first suggestion will be the boldest way to use garlic, while the subsequent ones will offer milder yet equally unique ideas for incorporating garlic into your dishes.

Eating raw garlic

Garlic has been used in holistic, homeopathic, and traditional Chinese medicine for centuries due to its numerous health benefits.

In holistic and homeopathic practices, garlic is valued for its medicinal properties, including its ability to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation and promote cardiovascular health. It is often used as a natural remedy for various ailments, such as colds, flu, infections and digestive issues.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), garlic is considered a warming herb that is believed to strengthen the body's Qi (life force.) It is commonly used to treat conditions such as coughs, asthma, and digestive disorders. Garlic is also thought to have detoxifying properties and is used to expel toxins from the body.

Begin with a small amount and gradually increase as you become accustomed to its intensity. While consuming raw garlic on an empty stomach is believed to enhance its benefits, it may cause digestive discomfort for some individuals, so be mindful of that. If eating it alone feels too intense, consider incorporating raw garlic into your meals. Remember that raw garlic can leave a strong odor on your breath and skin. Chewing parsley or mint leaves afterward, or brushing your teeth and using mouthwash, can help mitigate any lingering odor.

Roasted garlic magic

Roasting garlic transforms its sharp bite into a sweet and savory treat. Roasted garlic is easy and fast to make, Begin by drizzling whole heads of garlic with a bit of oil, then wrap them tightly in foil. Place the wrapped garlic in the oven at low heat and roast until the cloves are soft and caramelized. Once roasted, spread the cloves on crusty bread for a delicious appetizer or add them to a charcuterie board to enhance the flavor profile of your spread.

Garlic confit

Garlic confit is a culinary technique that involves slowly cooking whole garlic cloves in oil at a low temperature until they become soft, fragrant and golden brown. 

To make garlic confit, peeled garlic cloves are submerged in a flavorful oil, such as olive oil, and gently cooked over low heat for an extended period, often several hours. This slow cooking process allows the garlic to soften and develop a rich, sweet flavor while infusing the oil with its aromatic essence.

Once the garlic cloves are tender and caramelized, they can be stored in the oil, where they will continue to develop flavor and remain preserved.

Garlic confit is the perfect spread on bread, can be tossed with pasta, drizzled over roasted vegetables or added into sauces. 

Additionally, the garlic-infused oil can be used for cooking or as a flavorful finishing oil, perfect for your pasta, meats, sandwiches and even charcuterie boards.

Compound butter bliss

Imagine always having a jar of flavorful garlic butter at your fingertips! 

Making garlic butter is really easy. Just blend softened butter with minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, and a hint of tangy lemon juice, then allow it to chill until firm. Spread generously over warm garlic bread, toss with steamed vegetables, baste chicken or seafood, or toss with pasta for a simple meal.

Every dish just gets better with a bit of garlic butter.

Garlic paste

Garlic paste is widely used in international cuisines. To make it, blend fresh garlic cloves with a small amount of oil until smooth. Use it as a base for marinades, stir it into soups or stews or salad. It really goes well with most dishes. 

Garlic paste can last for about one to two weeks when stored properly in the refrigerator. Make sure there is a drizzle of a thin layer of oil over the surface of the garlic paste before sealing the container, to create a barrier against oxidation. As you can see, garlic paste lasts long and it takes less than 10 minutes to make!

Garlic skin rub

Harness the natural power of garlic as a topical remedy by creating a soothing garlic skin rub. Garlic skin rubs have been used by various cultures throughout history for their purported medicinal properties. Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans are believed to have utilized garlic for its antibacterial and healing properties. Additionally, garlic has long been a staple in traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, where it has been used topically for skin conditions.

It works by crushing garlic cloves to release their potent juices and using that juice directly on your skin. Before applying the garlic directly to your skin, it's essential to perform a patch test on a small area to ensure you don't experience any adverse reactions.

Once you've confirmed its compatibility, gently rub the crushed garlic onto areas affected by acne or insect bites, allowing the antibacterial properties of garlic to work their magic. Leave the garlic on your skin for a short period before rinsing thoroughly with warm water. While garlic can be an effective remedy for some skin concerns, it's essential to proceed with caution and discontinue use if any irritation occurs. 

Final thoughts

Isn't it fascinating how a tiny ingredient like garlic can be so versatile? 

Making garlic a kitchen staple isn't just about enhancing flavor; it also offers a wealth of health benefits.

Across centuries and cultures, garlic has been admired for its remarkable medicinal properties. It has amazing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory traits, supports gut health with its prebiotic properties, aids in lowering blood pressure and promoting heart health, and even assists in wound healing and skin health! 

So, the next time you grab a clove of garlic, remember you're not just spicing up your meal—you're also nourishing your well-being!