Unless you’re a culinary aficionado, you might not have known that there are different types of garlic. You’d be surprised at how many varieties there are of this aromatic veggie!
Black garlic is just one example. It’s a kind of garlic that has been aged, turning black with time. If you’re wondering what black garlic tastes like, you’re in the right place.
We’ll discuss the flavor of this strange-looking garlic in addition to its uses and aroma.
What Does Black Garlic Taste Like?
To understand what black garlic tastes like, it’s important to understand how it’s made. Black garlic is made through an aging process requiring specific levels of heat and humidity.
Each bulb of black garlic stays in this special environment for a period of time. The high humidity and temperatures cause it to blacken from the Maillard reaction, which is the same chemical reaction that causes fried onions to caramelize.
This transformation causes the pungent flavor of the garlic to mellow out. Black garlic with a high sugar level will turn into a caramelly-tasting food and black garlic with a lower sugar content will turn tangy and acidic.
Regardless of the sugar content, the black garlic will be much milder in flavor than normal garlic. If you’re using black garlic, you’ll need to be careful not to overpower its taste.
Related Article: What Does Garlic Taste Like?
Does Black Garlic Taste the Same as White Garlic?
Black garlic and white garlic taste quite different. With white garlic, you’ll get a potent heat and spiciness, as well as a powerful aroma that makes your mouth water.
On the other hand, black garlic’s flavor is much subtler. It can be slightly sweet or even acidic depending on how sugary it is.
How Do You Eat Black Garlic?
Like with white garlic, you can eat your black garlic raw if you choose. Just remember to peel off the skin before taking a bite.
The other way to use black garlic is in cooking as a flavor enhancer. If you’re using it in your cooking, treat it just like you would with cloves of roasted garlic.
You can puree them with oil to use in dressings or as a spread. Alternatively, you can grind it to a powder to be mixed into any recipe that calls for black garlic.
If you need a little inspiration, you can try making this vegan black garlic tofu.
You May Also Like: 20 Spices that Go with Garlic
What Does Black Garlic Smell Like?
The aroma of black garlic is much milder than white garlic’s – just like its taste. Eating it won’t give legendarily potent breath, so don’t worry about a dinner seasoned with black garlic scaring away your date!
If you’re looking for a much more aromatic experience, minced garlic is an excellent option. Here’s where minced garlic is in the grocery store.
Can you Substitute Black Garlic for Regular Garlic?
What if, in some strange situation, you’re trying to make something that needs garlic and all you have is black garlic on hand?
Unfortunately, that means you’ll need to make a quick trip to your nearest grocery store to grab some fresh garlic. Black garlic, due to its much more muted flavor, isn’t exactly the best substitute for its white counterpart.
Wrap Up
Just when you think you know everything there is to know about the garlic many use daily in their recipes, you discover the existence of delicious aged black garlic. This is the perfect way to totally transform your garlic into something you may have never experienced before.
You don’t even need to buy black garlic if you want to try it. With the right methods, you can make your own black garlic right at home!
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
