|
GARLIC
FAQs 
|
|
It is traditional to assemble
a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the benefit of the Internet
denizens. We already have several sections that address many key questions
about garlic
(Test Your GQ) (Your
Garlic IQ), How to Grow
Garlic ). We know there are many other
questions which are waiting to be asked. But it will be the visitors
to this site who will help us develop the Garlic FAQ.
Contributions made via
e-mail to
TheChiefClove@TheGarlicStore.com
will form the basis of the Garlic FAQs. It should take us several months
to assemble the first version. Don't be shy. Contribute. Questions and/or
answers are greatly appreciated, so check this space frequently.
|
|
Q:
What happens when garlic turns green or blue during pickling or cooking?
A:According to Food Network at www.foodtv.com (published in the Rocky
Mountain news 2/20/2002), looked into the reason pickled garlic sometimes
turns blue. Garlic contains anthocyanins, water-soluble pigments that
turn blue or purple in an acid solution. While this color transformation
tends to occur more often with immature garlic, it can differ among
cloves within the same head of garlic. The garlic flavor remains unchanged,
and it totally edible without bodily harm.
On the same subject,
our friend, Bob Anderson, explains that garlic contains sulfur compounds
which can react with copper to form copper sulfate, a blue or blue-green
compound. The amount of copper needed for this reaction is very small
and is frequently found in normal water supplies. Raw garlic contains
an enzyme that if not inactivated by heating reacts with sulfur (in
the garlic) and copper (from water or utensils) to form blue copper
sulfate. The garlic is still safe to eat.
Garlic exposed to direct sunlight can also turn green
and acquire a bitter taste.
|
Q: Can you plant garlic in the spring?
A: Yes. While fall planting is preferred in northern portions of the country
(garlic is a bulb, like a tulip), you can get good results with spring
planting. This is especially true in the more southerly parts of the U.S.
where February and March planting is common. Plant the cloves as soon
as the soil can be worked and the threat of very hard freezes has ended.
As always, use some mulch and water frequently. |
Q: What is Spring Baby Garlic or Green Garlic?
A: Few realize that the young garlic plant is not only edible, but it
produces a truly special springtime treat for chefs. The individual cloves
from smaller bulbs can be planted in either fall or early spring. When
plants reach 12-16 inches in height, harvest them like green onions or
scallions. They can be used raw, braised, in stir fries, and are a fabulous
garnish raw or braised. Rarely available in stores, you can easily grow
your own in a small corner of your garden. See
Spring Baby Garlic
. |
Q: What is the Garlic Seed Foundation?
A: This is a must join organization for the serious garlic gardener. A
non-profit group operated by and for garlic growers, it publishes a very
useful quarterly newsletter (The Garlic Press, what else?) which is available
for a very modest $10 per year subscription. Send your check to The Garlic
Seed Foundation, Rose Valley Farm, Rose, NY 14542. The person in charge
is David Stern, himself a grower and tireless promoter of the superb herb.
|
Q: What is "society" garlic?
(question contributed by Lee Schein)
A: It isn't a garlic, though the leaves somewhat resemble the sativum
family. This decorative perennial plant is technically called "tulbaghia
violacea" and is often used as a ground cover. It can gorw to a height
of 2 feet and has some small flowers. It does not produce any edible parts.
The origin of the common name is unknown. |
Q: How can you remove garlic odor from your breath?
A: Perhaps the best way of handling the "breath scare" is to
be sure everyone is eating garlic and then no one will care. But short
of that, try chewing on a sprig or two of fresh parsley. It takes a lot
of edge off garlic breath, and it is good for you, too. Great source of
iron. |
Q: Does cooking destroy garlic's medicinal value?
A:
Not according to nutitionist Dr. John Milner of The Pennsylvania State
University. BUT it can! The way to avoid this is apparently to let the
peeled garlic sit for about 10 minutes before cooking. The exposure to
oxygen apparently triggers a chemical reaction that produces anticarcinogens
that heat cannot destroy. |
|
Q.
What is our favorite food flavor?
A. Hint: it ain't liver.
|
|
|
Shopping |
Information |
Home Page
|
|
Copyright © 2006 www.TheGarlicStore.com
|