Black garlic, (Allium sativum). ID: 743-49

Black garlic is fresh raw garlic (Allium sativum), changed by a special aging process and through the use of low heat and humidity of about 70% called the Maillard reaction.

During this process, its cloves acquire a distinctive black color.

The texture and flavor of the garlic also changes.

It is softer, chewier and sweeter than regular raw garlic.

One reason for its popularity is that like fresh raw garlic, it has antioxidants and other essential nutrients that can help improve your health and prevent serious health-related problems.

The other reason is its use in cooking as well as in confectionery, due to its special and unique taste.

HEALING PROPERTIES

Blood sugar control

Like fresh raw garlic, black garlic can help regulate blood sugar levels. Reducing high blood sugar helps prevent serious health problems such as diabetes symptoms, kidney dysfunction and more. The higher levels of antioxidants in black garlic may also help prevent diabetes-related complications.

Protection of the heart

Fresh raw garlic is known for its ability to help improve heart health. Black garlic can provide the same protective effects. Black garlic may also help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which in turn reduce the risk of heart disease.

Fights certain cancers

Many studies show that the antioxidant properties of black garlic can help fight cancer. One study found that it could help reduce the growth of colon cancer cells. Compounds in aged black garlic can also block free radicals in the body. This property reduces cell damage and can help limit the growth and possible spread of cancer cells in the body.

Brain Health

With its antioxidants, black garlic can help reduce inflammation in the body and prevent cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. It can also help improve memory and other parts of cognitive function.

Increased immunity

By reducing inflammation, the antioxidants in black garlic can help boost your immune system. Antioxidants fight free radicals and prevent oxidative stress that leads to cell damage. A healthy immune system means your body is able to fight infections and bacteria more effectively.

Liver health

Black garlic can help improve your liver health. Some research shows that the food can help reduce markers of liver damage after liver damage, reduce fatty deposits in the liver, and balance liver cell size.

COOKING

We can mash it together with olive oil and use it as a spread on toasted bread, sandwiches and burgers.

We can use it in salad dressing

As a base for our sauces.

But mix it into our marinades for either meat or fish.

We can add it to pesto for our pasta or risotto.

It goes well with cheeses and charcuterie.

Adds a uniqueness to sushi and fingerfood.

Finally, it can be added to a dip but also to any other dish we want to give a unique flavor with depth.

NUTRITION VALUE

In 15 grams of cleaned black garlic, there are:

Calories: 20 Protein: .5 grams Fat: 1 gram Carbohydrates: 2 grams Fiber: .5 grams Sugar: 4 grams